Weekend Wanderlust – Looking for a quick escape?
Pasadena pairs museum masterpieces with historic hotels and a healthy dose of old California charm, P.26
A Clear View – The latest addition to Montecito Fire’s medical arsenal helps paramedics see more clearly during some of their most challenging calls, P.28
Montecito’s firefighters serve up smoked tri-tip, tall tales, and a little Liar’s Dice at Station 91’s beloved charity dinner tradition, page 8
The inaugural Santa Barbara Invitational Concours arrives in November. Let’s take a look under the hood. (Story starts on page 6)
Rosewood’s upcoming Best in Show returns with wagging tails, polished paws, lovable underdogs, and enough personality to steal every heart, page 34
Did you know that…
Coast Village Road used to be the Coast Highway before the highway was built in 1955. You can still discern several of the original gas station structures and at least one roadside motel.
This Week @ MAW – Jasmine Barnes’ powerful new work invites audiences to reflect on America’s past, present, and the promise of what it can become
Beings and Doings – The Santa Barbara Invitational Concours is barreling down the pike. No need to tap the brakes.
Montecito Miscellany – Dinner and laughs with the firemen at Station 91, another riveting polo week, and a little pre-Fiesta teatime
News Bytes – Upcoming Chabad events, Richie’s Backpack Give Back, MCM Lemonade stand schedule, and dine with OSA Letters to the Editor – Laura Capps remembers Mayor Sheila Lodge and thoughts on the electrical grid Tide Guide
Our Town – Highway construction updates, Montecito Fire trains on a new rig, Cold Spring School hosts AI summit, and more
The Giving List – Spirit Awakening Foundation is creating opportunities for underserved and troubled youth to reconnect with their creativity, confidence, and authentic selves
“Unparalleled
16 On Entertainment – James McMurtry’s blend of poetic songwriting, social commentary, and masterful storytelling comes to SOhO
20 Spirituality Matters – Beyond yoga classes, local studios are offering opportunities for deeper exploration
22 Your Westmont – A young alum lands prestigious grant, and another translates scientific uncertainty into economic insight
The Curious Traveler – Pasadena offers the perfect cultural escape with world-class museums, remarkable architecture, elegant hotels, and exceptional live theater
Hot Topics – New state-of-the-art medical equipment is helping firefighter-paramedics deliver even more advanced care
30 Elizabeth’s Appraisals – A handcrafted Egyptian silver bracelet carries with it a remarkable story of war, faith, craftsmanship, and remembrance 32
Travel Buzz – A countryside retreat and a day in Tokyo showcase the balance of serenity and energy that makes Japan so captivating
34
Pup Culture – Rosewood’s upcoming Best in Show event, petition for enclosed dog park in Manning, plus read to some furry listeners
36
Meet the Doctor – Neurologist Justin Abraham, MD MBA
38 Dear Montecito – Stephen Dabby’s story offers a thoughtful, deeply personal conversation about identity, authenticity, and the courage to live openly
Curator’s Choice – The upper wings of the Gulf Fritillary
39
Ernie’s World – Ernie is digging in to some lobstah and history as he and Pat explore the east coast
Library MoJo – Summer reading, Mah Jongg, gardening, and an old-fashioned ice cream social make the library a lively gathering place for the whole community
41 Spotlight Coast Village – Specials and highlights along Coast Village Road
44 Calendar of Events – One-Acts on stage, summer tunes and flicks outdoors, plus chamber music and top-drawer jazz artistry indoors
46
Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads, in which sellers offer everything from summer rentals to estate sales
47
Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles
Local Business Directory – Smart business owners place business cards here
by Steven Libowitz
Back in 2016, Baltimore native Jasmine Barnes was preparing for her senior recital at Morgan State University. But then fellow African American Freddie Gray was murdered by six Baltimore policemen, who left him unsecured in the back of a van during an erratic drive downtown, causing fatal injuries to his spinal cord.
“The riots broke out the day before the recital,” Barnes recalled. “It was incredibly stressful because as soon as the riot started, the National Guard was sent in and whether you were rioting or not, your existence was being threatened. Just being outside at all was dangerous because of the curfew. The campus was closed because there were cars exploding outside of my dorm. It was literally crazy.”
It was a huge influence on Barnes, a mezzo-soprano who was also studying composition. The riots and her direct experiences of racism and prejudice came together to serve as the catalyst for much of her ensuing composing career.
“The riots pointed things towards my own personal existence and things I saw around me then, which of course are still going on,” Barnes said. “It shaped my desire to compose, and what I wanted to write about. My identity as a Black woman, as a student, especially at an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), made me reconsider how I can use what I have to be an activist in a different way.”
Barmes said much of her early work, including her first song cycles, were about the identity of Black women. But then she began to appreciate the value of opening it to everyone.
“Not that I forsake my own identity, but I know that everyone’s narrative can fit into the story if it feels right at the time. I just want to continue to reflect our times, in both what I write and how I process what things really make me passionate to write. I’m always thinking about if my identity has a space, and about creating the things that I wanted to see coming into the field, things that would’ve brought me to composing sooner. Or even the things that other people can resonate with who don’t even have to look like me, just because as humans we’re connected.”
Among her more publicly known works are the opera She Who Dared, which premiered at Chicago Opera Theater in June 2025; the wind concertante KINSFOLKNEM, which celebrates the lively musical traditions of Black family gatherings and premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2024 with the National Youth Orchestra; and the
choral orchestral song cycle Portraits: Douglass and Tubman, commissioned by Baltimore Choral Arts Society.
A more recent work is the 34-year-old Barnes’ American Lament, which provides a song cycle setting for most of Langston Hughes’ 1935 poem “Let America Be America Again” – which he wrote while riding a train from New York City to Ohio. Hughes’ verse bemoaned how the reality of life in the United States doesn’t reflect the promise of the American Dream, particularly in the way freedom and equality have largely escaped marginalized groups. Barnes’ Hughes-inspired piece was commissioned by Sasha Cooke, the 2002 Music Academy alum and twotime Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano who has been co-director of MAW’s Lehrer Vocal Institute since 2022.
“We had conversations around (the then-upcoming) America250, which brought up how far we still have to go,” Barnes said. “To celebrate 250 years of a freedom that didn’t exist for people that look like me, that is a rough space in itself. So we looked at what we wanted to say as artists right now, and what stood out in texts to both of us. ‘Let America Be America Again’ could have been written today. It’s nearly a hundred years old, but those same problems are happening now.”
Barnes and Cooke also agreed on Claude McKay’s short poem “America,” which had never been set to music, and Barnes also wrote her own poem called “The River Remembers,” which ties the commissioned piece together over a shared theme of water, the composer said.
“Water had a lot to do with the settling and growth of America,” said Barnes, who also incorporated the spiritual “Deep River” into the piece. “No matter where it comes from, if you put it together, it will come together. It will
Week at MAW Page 184
by Jeff Wing
Concours d’Elegance. Whether sung with a musical French accent or verbally mangled by the well-intentioned (moi), the term does not invoke a baloney and Velveeta® sandwich.
“It literally means a ‘competition of elegance,’” explains Linda Rosso, President, CEO, and lead innovator of a looming extravaganza called the Santa Barbara Invitational Concours, whose inauguration November 7-8, 2026 – at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, no less – will be food, drink, and a side of heart palpitation to the hood-lifting mechanophile. “And so it is a competition,” Rosso continues {reader, submit your buggy for consideration at sbinvitational.org/participants-2 }. “The cars are to be judged by qualified Concours judges, and we’re using the Pebble Beach model – that premium lifestyle experience which has been in existence for 75 years.”
And what a model that is. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, launched in 1950, is widely considered by camshaft couture the most prestigious car show in the world. The Santa Barbara Invitational Concours joins a long prestigious line of jaw-dropping show and tell – gorgeous machines laid out like jewels in astonishing settings – and will be powered by that rarefied cohort’s longstanding expertise.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have connected with seasoned Concours judges and car collectors who participate in a lot of these types of events. They bring such an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience.” Rosso is referring in part to her national advisors, Boston Cup Classic Car Show founder Richard Doucette and longtime Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance Judge Lilly Pray, not to mention SB Invitational Concours board members George Leis, Diane Brighton, and Keith W. Moore. “And I mean, gosh, you couldn’t do it without a community behind you.”
The modern automotive Concours launched in 1921 Dinard, France (natu-
rally), even then a delicious, beachy resort town in Brittany, northwestern France. At that first gathering, automotive beauty and innovation intermingled with high-style fashion in an almost avant-garde celebration of the Beau Monde. André-Gustave Citroën was a notable VIP guest. The earliest iterations of the Concours date to 17th century France, and the parading of tricked out carriages by the aristocratic, hot rod-loving crème de la crème of French Society. Refined sophistication remains an absolutely central animating theme of the Santa Barbara Invitational Concours.
“As simple a thing as parking the cars or checking in, that will be an elevated, streamlined journey,” Rosso says of the November supernova. For all that, under Rosso’s vision the approaching (and approachable) Santa Barbara Invitational Concours will be a pointedly welcoming affair; one that waves in with both hands the first-time attendee and ‘forged piston’ enthusiast alike. These welcoming hands will of course be sheathed in Harssidanzar Lambskin Driving Gloves, thus infusing
Beings & Doings Page 354
by Richard Mineards & Friends
“This story goes back 20 years,” laughed Dana Newquist “There were only three of us on the Fire District board – me, Ron Jensen, and John Venable. John and I were put in charge of hiring new firefighters, and one of the first questions we asked Ben Hauser was, ‘Can you cook?’ He said, ‘Yes!’”
The room immediately erupted in good-natured ribbing.
“Yeah, well, he can’t cook or pick movies!” one firefighter teased about the Chief.
“He likes Sharknado!” another chimed in.
A third firefighter came to Ben’s defense with a grin. “I love bad movies. Some of the best cinematic experiences are bad movies.”
At Montecito Fire Station 91, laughter comes as naturally as service. For more than two decades, the firefighters have welcomed neighbors into the station through charity dinners, opening the bay doors for evenings of home-cooked meals, storytelling, and community. This month’s dinner was won by Brenda Blalock at an Alzheimer’s Association auction, bringing ten friends together for smoked tri-tip, barbecue chicken, homemade beans and salad, garlic bread, and watermelon, specially requested – all prepared by the crew.
“I’ve done this for more than 20 years,” said Captain Lucas Grant. “When I first got hired, we were doing at least six dinners a year.” What began as a simple fundraiser has become one of the department’s most treasured traditions.
The laughter came easily, but so did the respect.
“We grew up on the same street, and we went to the same high school,” said
of
Before arriving in Montecito, both served as Hotshots – elite, special forces of the wildland firefighting world – tackling some of California’s toughest wildfires. Many members of Station 91 followed the same path, viewing the elite crews as the ultimate proving ground. Asked if they align with Navy Seals, they chimed, “Yes, like Navy Seals with hoses!”
“Hotshots is physically tough, but it also builds a mental toughness, and you think, ‘I can do anything now,’” reflected Lucas. The grueling work forged endurance, confidence, and friendships that continue to define the station today.
After dinner came one final firehouse tradition. The kitchen table transformed into the station’s spirited version of Liar’s Dice, where bluffing determined cleanup duty and nobody wanted to be left holding the toilet brush.
“Skipping out on cleanup chores – that’s
Page 434
At Goodwin & Thyne Properties we follow a simple, yet powerful principle when representing real estate buyers and sellers- always do what is best for you, our client. We are an integrated team of clientcentered, comprehensive, connected, collaborative, and committed Realtors®, Brokers, and Attorneys servicing Santa Barbara, Ventura, Ojai, the Central Coast, LA and beyond.
We take pride in hearing our clients say we treat them like family, because – we do. It’s at the core of what makes us different.
Operating from that place means there’s nothing we won’t, and can’t, do to get you the property, deal, and overall outcome you’re looking for. No matter how big or small, complex or simple, we’ve seen and done it all. We look forward to working with you.
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by MJ Staff
aturday, July 18, 10:30 am, Shabbat, 450 Toro Canyon Road, Montecito - Wednesday, July 29, 6 pm, Men’s Summer BBQ, hosted by Brian Delshad
- Sunday, August 9, at 2 pm: Hachnasat Sefer Torah – “A joyful historic community celebration welcoming a new Torah scroll. There will be music, delicious food, a beautiful procession under the chuppah, and a warm, festive atmosphere for the whole family as the Torah is brought to its new home. Even if you’ve never been to one before, this is a special chance to be part of something meaningful, uplifting, and unforgettable. A very big thank you to the Ruimy family for sponsoring the Torah”
Register for events: www.jewishmontecito.org
Richie’s Barber Shop Montecito has joined in the YMCA SB’s 7th Annual Backpack Give back. The drive asks for donations of new or unused backpacks for kids ages 5 to 18. Drop off your donations at Richie’s Barbers Shop on Coast Village Road during business hours.
Saturday, July 18: Youth Runners Academy, Kinshasa, DRC
Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9: Legends Futbol Academy U14 girls’ team and their families in raising money for equipment and more for their team.
Saturday, August 15: The Dream Foundation
Saturday, August 22: SB Food Bank
To sign up your organization: www.montecitocountrymart.com
Fundraising event for the Ojai Studio Artists on Saturday, August 1, is selling tickets now due to limited seating. The event is at Sulphur Mountain, a remote and exquisite garden setting where one can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, appetizers, a delicious paella cooked over the open fire, fresh seasonal salad, and homemade ice cream prepared for attendees by the OSA. The evening begins with cocktails and appetizers accompanied by the mellow jazz of Brian McCann, whose music will be heard throughout the event and meeting with the OSA. The event benefits arts programming in Ojai and helps ensure that creativity continues to flourish in our community.
411: www.ojaistudioartists.org
Ihave so much admiration for Mayor Sheila Lodge. I can’t imagine Santa Barbara without her. The impact she had was as deep as the love she shared for our community. In fact, the profound way she shaped our city, decade after decade, is unmatched.
Sheila was the first mayor I knew as a child, so I simply assumed all mayors were women. She was a trailblazer, opening doors for generations of women in public service and proving that leadership rooted in integrity, commitment, and determination can change the course of history.
Beyond the countless improvements she made to our city – right up until the end of her life – her legacy lives on in the many women who followed her into elected office and in everyone she inspired to believe they could lead. I especially admired that she never minced words or tiptoed around difficult issues – she always spoke her mind, bluntly but with that slight twinkle in her eye.
Thank you, Sheila. Santa Barbara is far better because of you. And we will miss you.
Laura Capps
We continue to read about rising electricity rates that are exacerbating the inflation that is making our lives more expensive and difficult. While some states have been proactive in addressing the problem, a national solution is needed. Our existing grid can be made more efficient, but in the end we will need to build new transmission lines and create stronger connections between each of the regional grids.
A major problem is that it takes too long to build these lines due to outdated regulations. The cost of solar and battery storage has decreased so dramatically that virtually all new generation capacity is clean. Unfortunately, the grid hasn’t been able to keep up and this new capacity often has to wait years to get plugged in. Federal legislation is already being considered in DC to help ease these bottlenecks while still encouraging public input. Ask your member of Congress to join you in support of comprehensive clean energy permitting reform so we can build our way out of these high electricity rates.
Jon Berman
Executive Editor/CEO | Gwyn Lurie gwyn@montecitojournal.net
newspaper
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Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, Joe DeMello, Thomas Mock
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Contributors | Scott Craig, Chuck Graham, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Leana Orsua, Jeffrey Harding, Houghton Hyatt
Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz
Gossip | Richard Mineards
History | Hattie Beresford
Humor | Ernie Witham
Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri
Health/Wellness | Ann Brode, Deann Zampelli
Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook
Food & Wine | Melissa Petitto, Gabe Saglie, Jamie Knee
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Montecito Journal is compiled, compounded, calibrated, cogitated over, and coughed up every Wednesday by an exacting agglomeration of excitable (and often exemplary) expert edifiers at 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108.
How to reach us: (805) 565-1860; FAX: (805) 969-6654; Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108; EMAIL: tim@montecitojournal.net
by Joanne A Calitri
The 101 Highway construction frustration has come to a few new heads with the April installation of the Coast Village Road at Hermosillo Drive traffic light, purported to be “temporary.” (We hear you, residents who’ve been used to a quiet two-lane road without roundabouts and traffic lights.) Press from the Montecito Community Connect Group states, “The gridlock on Coast Village Road due to the new traffic signal extends the full length of Montecito from Sheffield past the tennis courts approaching Salinas and up and along Hot Springs, up San Ysidro and on to East Valley Road.”
And “in-town” gridlocks from vehicles exiting the 101 Highway at key traffic times to side road exits are also happening in Summerland along Lillie Avenue, starting at the Padaro and Evans Avenue exits northbound. The Summerland Citizens Association held a meeting with Supervisor Roy Lee and a few town halls, which have not abated the general dissatisfaction. Responses on these issues from Lee and CalTrans are encouraged.
And while the City of Carpinteria continues to approve construction and licenses for new residential high rises and restaurants which will yield more incoming revenue, the City of Carpinteria Council voted to add a sales tax increase from 9% to 9.25% (groceries and prescription drugs are exempt) to your voting ballots this November. Politicians estimate it will bring an additional $700,000 annually, as one questions if the increase is the start of annual increases. The sales tax rate increase is not far behind that of Los Angeles.
Coming off the heels of their successful July 4 Pancake breakfast, the Montecito Fire Protection District joined with the Santa Barbara City Fire Department on July 7 to conduct a training on Truck 71, the City of Santa Barbara’s new tiller truck. Santa Barbara Fire’s ladder truck is dispatched to incidents in the Montecito community when specialized assistance is needed, thanks to our Regional Fire Communications Center’s closest-unit
response model. The Carpinteria-Summerland Fire District announced two Carpinteria Firefighters Justin Martin and Pat Cockrum, are assisting the Wildfire Management Team 7 on the Ferris Fire, near Dolores, Colorado, and giving a proud example of #payitforward.
Dr. Amy Alzina, superintendent and principal of Cold Spring School District, hosted the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Artificial Intelligence Summit for educators at the school on July 8-9. This is her second year hosting the event.
Our Town Page 404
Join us for a FREE virtual conversation introducing the new Cottage Center for Women’s Health.
Thursday, July 30
4 – 5 p.m.
Register at: cottagehealth.org/womenshealth
Join Dr. Jane Varner, Medical Director for Cottage Center for Women’s Health, and a panel of women’s health experts for a special online event introducing a new approach to women’s care in our community.
TOPICS:
• The vision behind the new Cottage Center for Women’s Health and what it means for our community
• Continuum of care for every stage of life
• Brain health, menopause, Ob/Gyn, rheumatology, urogynecology and oncology
• Physician Panel Q & A in a confidential setting
Discover a sanctuary of elegance and ease, that creates a space to feel liberated, celebrated, and authentic.
Call to book a tour or RSVP for our upcoming event.
BOB, BRUSHES & BUBBLY PAINT & SIP | TUESDAY, AUGUST 11th • 1:00PM
Join us for a paint & sip guided by an instructor and accompanied by a Bob Ross video. Create a happy little landscape masterpiece while enjoying bubbly beverages and a delicious charcuterie spread.
by Steven Libowitz
Spirit Awakening Foundation (SAF) wears its heart on its sleeve...or at least at the top of its website.
“We believe that art is powerful and can entertain, heal, transform and inspire,” the nonprofit says. “Artistic expression is a powerful entryway to uncover and heal from traumatic experiences. With the use of meditation/mindfulness practices, creative writing, visual arts, music, role-play, conflict resolution and dramatic improvisation, we support abused, neglected and underserved youth and young adults in realizing their value, self-worth, and dignity.”
That’s not just some lofty aim. Los Angeles-based SAF has been around for 31 years, with its founder – Ghana native Akuyoe Graham – still serving as CEO and executive director. Since its inception in 1995, SAF has been a pioneer in developing and offering restorative, trauma-informed prevention and intervention programs to underserved, incarcerated, and systems-involved youth in Los Angeles County. The nonprofit offers young people techniques needed to live in society as it is, with an eye toward a more inclusive, just, and safe world. Using the tools as well as mentorship, service and leadership training, all of which have been guided by evidence-based research, SAF has continued to accomplish its mission to help underserved youth build character and raise self-esteem.
The organization is a member of the Santa Monica Business Hall of Fame, a recipient of a number of prestigious recognitions, awards and accolades, including the 2023 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, the 2018-2022 Best of Santa Monica Nonprofits awards and the Southern California Society for Adolescent
Health and Medicine Leadership Award.
“We’re working with youth impacted in the system,” Graham said. “We’re in the juvenile halls and the probation camps. We’re in the high schools. And we’ve been expanding to working with adults as well as youth, including survivors of domestic violence. What we offer is valuable for everyone.”
Now Spirit Awakening is looking to expand its footprint to Santa Barbara, aiming to offer similar services to local youth facing issues akin to those troubled kids, teenagers, and young adults who have legal, scholastic, or other challenges – even in our seemingly idyllic setting. There’s no reason, Graham said, that its programs –such as “Writes of Passage,” which teaches incarcerated and underserved youth how to express themselves through creative writing and visual arts, or “Voices of the Unheard,” an annual performance of the written and spoken word of child detainees and a published compilation of their essays, poems and metaphysical musings – shouldn’t be just as valuable in Santa Barbara.
Why should people who live here trust an organization that doesn’t really know the territory, and has solely worked in the sprawling metropolis that is Los Angeles?
“We’re not sustained 31 years later because it’s just a cute idea,” said Graham, who worked in leadership with youth organizations and wrote a well-received one-woman play about own experiences before starting SAF. “It’s because we’re good. Our programs have impacted this population of youth that are in trouble, who need safe spaces to go to discover their resilience, and rediscover and reconnect with their intelligence and the good things that they have within them. Back then, people didn’t understand how
Giving List Page 314
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23, 2026 | LOBERO
Cocktails start at 6 pm, Panel at 7pm Tickets start at $39
Join us for a panel discussion moderated by Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen. We’ll discuss the problems facing CA and Santa Barbara today: Affordability, Homelessness, Housing, the Economy, Public Finances and Education.
BILL MACFADYEN
Publisher & Panel Moderator, Noozhawk
PETE PETERSON
Dean, Braun Family Dean’s Chair
Pepperdine University, School of Public Policy
ASHLEY SWEARINGEN
CEO, Central Valley, Community Foundation
Former Mayor of Fresno, California
LEE OHANIAN
Professor of Economics
UCLA
KRISTEN MILLER
President/CEO, Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce
by Steven Libowitz
James McMurtry found critical and commercial success early in his career when his song “Painting by Numbers,” from his John Mellencamp-produced 1989 debut album Too Long in the Wasteland, connected with disaffected members of America’s heartland and became an MTV video hit. He’s been on the road ever since, almost incessantly touring northwards of 100 dates every year, releasing a dozen albums of mostly original material full of rootsy Americana about, well, Americans and America in all of its often-dysfunctional depths, including 2002’s “Choctaw Bingo,” McMurtry’s most enduring hit.
So it seems both disingenuous and important to ask the singer-songwriter – who has been called one of the best “poets of plight” since Bob Dylan – about his famous father. That would be the much-heralded Western novelist and screenwriter Larry McMurtry, whose books exploring similar themes include Lonesome Dove, The Last Picture Show, and Terms of Endearment, and the screenplay for Brokeback Mountain Especially since his July 21 date at SOhO somehow represents his Santa Barbara debut.
But the question doesn’t get very far.
“I read an interview that says you inherited your dad’s gift of narrative and nuance –”
“That’s b–s–!” McMurtry exclaims over the phone from the car stopped at a New Mexico gas station where driver BettySoo – the singer-songwriter who opens the show and is part of his band – was filling up with “high-test.” “There’s no evidence to suggest that it’s genetic. Larry is the only writer in the line, actually the only one in his side of the family who even read for pleasure.”
Instead, McMurtry said he grew up wanting to be Johnny Cash, until he heard Kris Kristofferson at age nine.
“I had never given any thought to where songs came from. I just wanted to sing and play guitar like Johnny did. Kristofferson changed my whole world. He wrote really tight verse and that had much more influence on my writing than Larry. I probably got more from listening to him tell stories on the porch than reading his books… And from voice lessons, because you’re writing songs for your voice. The words have to be sung. You can’t have things that’ll tie your tongue up.”
Still, McMurtry allows that he shares a talent for turning time and place into stories, or story songs, that have specific details while reflecting the larger human experience. James’ world encompasses a great distance.
“We spend most of our time on the road,” he said. “We travel so much that we see the details, at least through the windshield. The stories will come to you and just happen to get set where they do. The more places you pass through, the more points of reference you have. I try to know enough about the place that I can fake my way through it.”
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merge, it will blend. That’s what we need as a people right now.”
Cooke sang “American Lament” in recital six times last November, including the premiere at The Kennedy Center, which venue has its own implications since 2025. Now, the work is getting its orchestral premiere right here at the Lobero Theatre, as Cooke reprises her role in the centerpiece of the MAW fellows-powered Academy Chamber Orchestra concert on July 18.
“I’m excited to hear it orchestrally,” said Barnes of having her adaptation performed live. “I also just want to relive this piece again, especially as the America250 just happened on July 4. It feels like the stamp on challenging what America actually looks like to us. What ideals have we let go of as a people? The entire song cycle really holds a space for all of us to reflect, to dream up what a united country would look like.”
Upcoming@MAW
Friday, July 17: After having brass and percussion fellows part of the July 4th parade, MAW gets uber-Montecito local again to kick off the weekend, with a pop-up concert on Coast Village Road. The music takes place at Caldwell Snyder Gallery amid the Alireza Varzandeh artist reception. The four bassoon fellows collaborate with the two ultra distinguished bas-
soon teaching artists currently on campus – Judith LeClair, who joined the New York Philharmonic as Principal Bassoon at 23 in 1981, when she was the same age as a typical MAW fellow, and William Short, a 2007-08 alum who was appointed Principal Bassoon of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra just four years later. The half-hour program will be announced on site. (Reception 4-6 pm, performance at 5 pm; 1266 Coast Village Rd.; free)… Ten instrumental fellows comprise the cast for tonight’s Picnic Concert, with pianists populating four of the five works, including pieces by Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and French composers César Franck and Cécile Chaminade, plus the Alima Quartet playing a Haydn string quartet. (7:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $10-65)
Saturday, July 18: The Academy Chamber Orchestra, a smaller contingent of the full-fledged AFO, opens with two deeply reflective American works, including Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” narrated by Montecito’s own Christopher Lloyd , and the orchestral premiere of “American Lament” by Jasmine Barnes (see interview above). Schumann’s “Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61,” closes the concert conducted by Gemma New , Artistic
Advisor and Principal Conductor of the New Zealand Symphony, and a former Los Angeles Phil Dudamel Conducting Fellow. (7:30 pm; Lobero Theatre; $10-$125)
Tuesday, July 21: Mosher Guest Artist Jennifer Koh returns to teach a master class at the familiar space of Hahn Hall, where the decorated violinist has performed several times on the Bach & Beyond programs (which she’ll bring to Hahn on Saturday night), among others. A few select lucky fellows will reap the rewards. (1:15 pm; Lehmann Hall; $10-
$25)… A trio of instrumental fellows performing one-on-one with collaborative piano fellows? That’s not-a too bad. Sonata Nights Series II boasts Beethoven’s “No. 3 for Cello,” Saint-Saëns’ “Bassoon Sonata,” and Brahms’ “E-flat Major” piece for viola. (7:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $10-50)
Wednesday, July 22: Schumann (“Piano Trio No. 3 in G Minor, Op. 110”) and Bloch (“Piano Quintet No. 1, B. 43”) are the composers featured in tonight’s Salon Series performance by the fellows – following the ear-opening joys of sipping a glass of wine prior to entering the beach-facing former ballroom of the Marilyn Horne Main House (7:30 pm; Lehmann Hall; $10-65)
Thursday, July 23: Expect something a cultural cut above John Candy’s famous film in tonight’s x2 program dubbed Trains, Lies & Romance. The uncanny concert pairing fellows and faculty features Marc Cerrone’s “Uncanny Valleys” – the composer’s 2024 two-piano meditation on technology (AI) and human emotion – Shostakovich’s “Seven Romances on Poems by Alexander Blok,” Mosher Guest Artist Missy Mazzoli’s “Lies You Can Believe In” (with Mosher violinist Jennifer Koh), and Steve Reich’s still astounding “Different Trains” for string quartet and pre-recorded tape. (7:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $10-65)
by Steven Libowitz
Yoga studios abound all through town and the Santa Barbara environs. But not all of them offer events and classes that aren’t about asanas. Yoga Soup’s been one of the big players ever since Founder Eddie Ellner opened the space as a hybrid yoga studio, bookstore, and community gathering space 25 years ago. Indeed, the calendar there is crowded with multiple offerings, as many as 10 in a given week, from men’s and women’s circles to meditation, breathwork, ecstatic dances, cacao ceremonies, myriad sound bath healing sessions, ragas and kirtans, and even conversations about death and “A Course in Miracles.”
Some upcoming special events include “From Sustainable Compassion to Unbounded Awareness” from Radhule Weininger, PhD, the clinical psychologist and founder of the nonprofit organization Mindful Heart Programs who also leads weekly free meditations on Monday evenings at Yoga Soup. The half-day retreat on
Saturday, July 18, will include practices in both compassion meditation and from the Mahamudra tradition that leads participants from full-body concentration to subtle-body awareness to a non-dual ocean-and-wave experience.
Forrest Leichtberg, MBA, the former CEO of The Freedom to Choose Project and executive director of Unity of Santa Barbara, is offering “Creating Abundance: Integrative Money Workshop” on Wednesday, July 22, which he describes as a holistic experience designed to bring clarity, reduce stress, and support a more conscious and aligned relationship with money. The experiential workshop blends practical financial strategy with inner exploration, aiming toward helping participants clarify their life direction and create a financial plan that reflects who they truly are through guided reflection, simple frameworks, and grounded financial education.
At the other end of the longevity spectrum – and the other side of the greater Santa Barbara area – lies Flow Yoga & Wellness, which won’t celebrate its fourth anniversary until October. But there are a number of offerings on
a regular basis, including a monthly Community Meditation Gathering led by Sarah McLean, who co-founded and conducted sessions at the Montecito Meditation Center by the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge before the site was swallowed up to create The Post Montecito shopping and dining space. Held on the first Sunday (August 2), the event is a 75-minute gathering for participants to pause, nourish your body and mind, and experience meditating in community. Open to all levels of experience, the sessions offer practical insights and simple contemplative tools along with a guided meditation, covering a rotating variety of techniques inspired by both ancient wisdom traditions and modern mindfulness practices. McLean has taught meditation for more than 30 years, served as program director for Deepak Chopra’s Ayurveda wellness center, and directed The School for Byron Katie’s The Work. McLean is also the author of Soul-Centered: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation and The Power of Attention: Awaken to Love and its Unlimited Potential with Meditation McLean is also offering a weekly Meditation Salon on Mondays beginning July 20 that is open to experienced practitioners from any reflection, with the one-hour sessions opening with a brief reflection on a contemplative theme followed by a 25-minute silent meditation.
On tap this weekend are “Angelic Vibrations, a Journey into Sound with Paula Taylor & Andrew Simon, (aka Didgeriidrew),” featuring vocal toning, light language, metal and crystal singing bowls, didgeridoo, and guitar, on Friday, July 17; “Listening to your Inner Guidance,” a friendly, spiritual conversation on Saturday, July 18, about your inner guidance and how tuning in can benefit you in bringing more awareness to your daily life, led by Catherine Dougher, a retired psychologist now serving as a cleric for Eckankar, an integration of Eastern and Western spiritual practices. Santa Barbara Flow Yoga & Wellness is located at 4441 Hollister Ave. in Goleta. Visit www.sbflowyoga.com.
Sacred Garden Wellness is bringing back its Yogalates sessions blending Yoga, Pilates and Meditation to La Mesa Park for a three-event series where participants can transform their practice beyond the mat and support good causes toward the mission of cultivating positive change in our community – one step, one breath at a time. The sessions, slated for 3 pm on Sundays July 19, July 26, and August 2, have a suggested donation of $20, but also
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Westmont alumnus Michael Hemmett (‘25) has received a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship to support his pioneering work in marine geology and geophysics.
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After graduating from Westmont with a degree in physics, he’s completing a doctorate in earth and space sciences at the University of Washington. His research focuses on natural hazards in the Pacific Northwest, a region that shaped his passion for science long before he knew about its geological forces.
“I lived in the shadow of Mount Rainier, and my family took trips to Olympic National Park and the Oregon coast,” he says. “I was deeply aware of both the beauty and potential hazard – big earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions – of these natural places.”
While his childhood sparked his curiosity, his time at Westmont harmonized his academic interests with his faith.
Reading Blaise Pascal in a first-year Augustinian Scholars course as well as a physics lecture grounded in Colossians 2:3 solidified his direction in life.
“Blaise Pascal was a great mathematician, physicist, and theologian,” Hemmett says. “From his work I learned I can love God with my mind through academic pursuits. I became interested in science to study God’s creation, which taught me more about the character, intelligence and creativity of God in Christ, through whom all things were made.”
Initially a political science major, Hemmett developed a passion for investigating God’s creation through mathematics, which drew him to physics. The department named him Outstand Graduate in Physics, noting that he excelled in every aspect of the curriculum and that “his problem-solving is thorough and clever, his laboratory methods are accurate and meticulous, and his integrations of science and faith
are thoughtful and sophisticated.”
At the University of Washington, Hemmett shifted from the particle physics research he conducted at Westmont to natural hazards, studying Axial Seamount, an active underwater volcano 300 miles off the Oregon coast.
Using earthquake data from the Ocean Observatories Initiative, he tracks the volcano’s eruption cycles to better understand volcanic systems worldwide.
His work also extends to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the Juan de Fuca plate slides beneath the North American plate, creating the potential for a catastrophic earthquake. He plans to use Distributed Acoustic Sensing, a novel technique that repurposes telecommunications fiber-optic cables as massive earthquake sensors to help map out locked segments of the fault line.
“By understanding where a tremor happens, and more importantly, where it doesn’t, we can better constrain the locked portions of the Cascadia Subduction Zone and better predict how it would rupture in the future,” Hemmett says. He notes that this data will ultimately help engineers improve community resilience.
Only three other graduates from members of the Council for Christian
Page 374
Enjoy an immersive musical experience offering a feast for the senses! Acclaimed Music Conductor Heiichiro Ohyama (viola) and Chamber Orchestra musicians Timothy Durkovic (piano), Elizabeth Hedman (violin), and Trevor Handy (cello) will prepare the first movement of Mozart’s Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, K. 478, followed by an engaging Q&A guided by Concert Navigator Miho Ito. During intermission, enjoy complimentary dessert on the Esplanade before returning for a full performance of all three movements of the evening’s musical entrée.
This event made possible by the generosity of Mahri Kerley.
Premium ticket includes exclusive pre-show on-stage reception.
by Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr.
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nce in a while, you’ve got to get out of your hometown. You need a dose of big-city culture – but not in L.A., where people drive like heat-seeking missiles and never slow down. You want a place that feels human and down to earth, somewhere to spend a few relaxed days with pleasant people, fine museums, gracious architecture, and good theater. Luckily, there’s a tucked-away haven of culture within easy reach: Pasadena. Pasadena?! Before you raise a skeptical eyebrow, consider just one of its attractions: the Norton Simon Museum, whose world-class collection ranges from Botticellis and Rembrandts to Cézannes and Picassos. (For me, it out-gets the Getty.) Beautiful houses are everywhere: On streets shaded by sycamore and magnolia trees, you can admire the legacy of architectural greats such as Wallace Neff, Greene & Greene, and George Washington Smith.
You can greet the morning sun from your garden window at the iconic Langham Huntington hotel, perched on a knoll overlooking the San Gabriel Valley and its mountain backdrop. Then top off the day with a musical at the Pasadena Playhouse, winner of the Tony Award for regional theater.
Persuaded about Pasadena? Then let your cultural getaway begin.
Museums are many things: cultural repositories, sensory experiences, separate worlds that spark the imagination or offer spaces for quiet reflection. To all this, the Norton Simon Museum adds one subtle trait: a permeating intelligence.
Works in the galleries are organized sensibly by place and time – rather than by constantly changing curatorial ideas or social trends – which makes it easy to explore one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed thousands of European masterworks from the Renaissance to the 20th century, plus South and Southeast Asian
art spanning 2,000 years. Then he took over the ailing Pasadena Art Museum, merging its superb collection of 20th-century American art with his own.
Simon had dropped out of Cal Berkeley as a freshman and invested in an insolvent orange juice bottling company – which he built into the behemoth Hunt Foods. By the time he retired with a fortune of $10 billion, he had major holdings in Canada Dry, Max Factor, Tanqueray, and Avis Car Rental. Then he turned to philanthropy.
I appreciated his institution’s intelligent approach to the interpretive placards that museums place next to paintings. Instead of dry academic recitals of art history, these explore the artist’s life and explain how a particular painting fits. I learned that Paul Gauguin, who famously turned his back on bourgeois society in Paris and sailed away to Tahiti, did not find the primitive paradise he hoped for. His 1899 painting Tahitian Woman and Boy reveals the unexpected presence of French colonial missionaries, implied by the woman’s high-necked gown. (Gauguin was initially disappointed in Tahiti, but went on to paint native models in bright colors and often in the altogether.)
I’ve never much considered how a frame affects a painting. But the museum has – for example, Vincent van Gogh’s 1885 Head of a Peasant Woman in a White Bonnet. A portrait in muted browns and greens, it shows how the artist endeavored to portray working people with honest simplicity. Its original elaborately carved and gilded frame, however, overpowered the painting’s earthen colors and lent an impression of luxury at odds with the humble subject it surrounded. Curators replaced it with a simple 19th-century wooden frame whose warm chestnut tones bring out the dark shades in the painting. A perfect pairing.
I left the Norton Simon Museum impressed not only by its stellar collection, but also by the brainpower brought to bear in presenting it. The museum not only dazzles, it educates.
Curious Traveler Page 424
Or sometimes, the spark comes from his old family home.
That’s the case with the title track from his most recent album, 2025’s Don Dixon-produced The Black Dog & the Wandering Boy
“After Larry died, his wife asked me if he’d ever talked to me about his hallucinations, if he’d ever mentioned the black dog and the wandering boy,” McMurtry said. “I said, ‘No, but I’m stealing that.’ You can’t let something like that go by and not use it.”
The singer-songwriter changed the protagonist to a very different character, an adult mental patient living at home – “I’m a fiction writer,” he said.
Meanwhile a rough pencil sketch of a young McMurtry by Ken Kesey serves as the album cover art, one drawn when the leader of The Merry Pranksters stopped by the family residence as part of the famous bus trip documented in Tom Wolfe’s Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test
McMurtry only went back a few decades to find Dixon, who helmed the album that contained “Choctaw Bingo,” after self-producing several of his records.
“I kept running into Dixon on the road and figured maybe I’ll try to see what he’s learned in the last 30 years since he doesn’t have any set philosophy, as far as what format to record in or what process to use,” he said. “It worked out well.”
The new album also features guitarist Charlie Sexton, bassist Bonnie Whitmore from the alt-country band The Mastersons, and singer-songwriter Sarah Jarosz. But it will be his longtime band under the newish moniker of The Martial Law Review that will play at SOhO. It’s another method of protest for McMurtry, who also traded outfits with Betty Soo in Tennessee, Texas, and Montana to stand up against anti-drag laws.
“My label got pretty antsy about Nashville,” he said. “They thought it was the end of my career. We were just trying to do something for these people because we figured if we don’t stand up for the drag queens, then who’s going to stand up for us when they come for us?”
McMurtry said the SOhO show will have lots of songs from Black Dog as well as several dating back as early as his second album. And the last third of the show gets deeper into the political material.
“It’s a responsibility. Anybody with a voice needs to use it.”
The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show big spring event – the one that even made it to the movies via Adaptation – has the most concentrated, commercialized displays of the exotic flowers anywhere in the area. But this weekend, you can visit the place where two of the local growers have long cultivated and created the plants in their mid-summer open houses.
Santa Barbara Orchid Estate’s three-day event this year centers around a memorial for Founder Paul Gripp, who passed away just before this year’s Orchid Show, with a public event on the Central Lawn starting at 4 pm, with “Paul-appropriate refreshments” served starting at 2 pm “to encourage conviviality.” The regular open house at the specialty retail nursery featuring orchids for outdoor growing and landscaping in coastal California takes place 8 am to 4 pm on July 17 & 18, and 9 am to 3:30 pm on July 19. Visit www.sborchid.com
At the other end of Orchid Drive, Cal-Orchid’s famous “Summer Hummer” runs 9 am to 5 pm from July 17-19, drawing orchid collectors for celebration, sales seminars and culture classes. Visit www.calorchid.com
by Montecito Fire
The Montecito Fire Protection District is proud to serve the community as an All-Risk Fire Department, meaning our firefighters are trained, equipped, and prepared to respond to virtually any emergency that occurs within the district. While many residents naturally associate the Fire Department with fighting fires, the reality is that fire suppression represents only one part of the services we provide. Every day, our personnel respond to a wide variety of emergencies, including structure and wildland fires, medical emergencies, traffic collisions and vehicle extrications, technical rescues, trail rescues, hazardous materials incidents, water rescues, public service calls, and many other situations requiring specialized training and equipment.
As our community continues to grow and the demands placed upon emergency responders evolve, so too must the capabilities of the District. We are committed to ensuring our firefighters receive the education, equipment, and
The new state-ofthe-art video laryngoscopy equipment offers a significant advancement for emergency treatment
training necessary to provide the highest level of service, regardless of the emergency they encounter. Whether responding to a critically ill patient, rescuing an injured hiker from a remote trail, or protecting homes during a wildfire, our personnel are prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex emergency environment.
One of the District’s greatest strengths is its ability to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic care. Every engine company is staffed with firefighter-paramedics who can deliver advanced medical treatment long before a patient reaches the hospital. When a resident calls 911 for a medical emergency, our paramedics arrive with the knowledge, experience, and equipment necessary to perform sophisticated medical interventions that can significantly improve patient outcomes during those critical first minutes of care.
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, who is a famous historian in Santa Barbara, sends me this bracelet, passed down from a friend of her grandmother’s whose husband served in Panzer Army Africa North Africa during WWII. This bangle is from Egypt, as I can tell by its style of silver bands and ropes over filigree. BG’s account of its provenance (the story of the piece) is likely correct, as the North African Campaign in Egypt was a vital theater for the British and Commonwealth forces in WWII. The soldier who brought this gift back was likely one of those men, – and likely British or from the British Empire – who helped halt the Axis expansion toward the vital trade route of the Suez Canal.
The long and hard-fought desert battle in November and October of 1942 led to a decisive Allied victory at El Alamein under the notable British Lieutenant General Bernard Montgomery against the German-Italian Axis under Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. The decisive victory in this battle was a major morale booster for the Allies and ended the threat to the Middle East. So the soldier who bought this for his loved one must have treasured this gift.
When I see souvenir jewelry like this, I am aware of a division between jewelry made for the tourist market (such as Vatican enamels) and jewelry that was actually worn by the women of the culture. In this case, this bangle was both. Muslim women are allowed to wear jewelry called “Dua,” protective works in gold or silver bearing phrases or passages from the Qur’anic verses in Arabic calligraphy. In this case, BG’s bracelet reads “Ya Mujeeb,” or “O Responder,” “O One Who Answers,” one of the 99 Beautiful Names of God, called the Asma al-Husna in the Islamic tradition. In essence, the bangle bears a sacred prayer: to be heard and to receive an answer.
Muslim women are allowed to wear both gold and silver, and this bangle is either .800 or .900 silver, meaning it is not of sterling quality but still contains a significant amount of silver. Islamic women are encouraged to wear “real” jewelry of modest means rather than costume jewelry. If a piece contains a sacred text, that piece is to be treated as a reminder of the One who holds power, not as an amulet with its own power to protect the wearer. When wearing pendants and bracelets of Dua jewelry engraved with Qur’anic verses, it is considered poor etiquette to wear such a piece into a restroom.
This piece dates from the 1930s to the late 1940s, as we can see from the unique tube-and-shaft pin closure, hand-wrought in the Middle East in the mid-20th century. The silver workmanship of wire filigree topped with silver bands, and the oxidation of the filigree in the depths of the bangle, point to a mid-20th-century date. I do not believe this piece is earlier than the 1940s, as Egyptian jewelry prior to that period was heavily influenced by Egyptian Revivalism following the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 by Howard Carter, the British archaeologist and egyptologist (1874-1939) who discovered the intact tomb of the 18th Dynasty Pharaoh in the Valley of the Kings. Carter died at only 64: seventeen years after he was the first person to enter the tomb 3,245 years following the young Pharaoh’s death. He did not succumb to the “Mummy’s Curse” although many suspected otherwise. With all the excitement around the opening of the tomb in the 1920s, “Pharoah Style” became the rage. BG’s bracelet has nothing to do with hieroglyphics, a fad that became popular across the globe after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, a discovery in whose immediate wake jewelry was produced for a world fascinated by ancient Egypt and its exotic hieroglyphs.
Thus, this piece may have been purchased by a solider who had fought in the battle of El Alamein in the early 1940s, offered by a local who needed money, from an Egyptian woman who had worn the piece, or from an Egyptian jeweler. During that period, the majority of Egypt’s population was Muslim and followed the Sunni tradition of Islam. Today, Egypt has a population of more than 100 million majority Muslim people, making it one of the largest Muslim populations in the world.
With this wonderful background, redolent of a sacred phrase worked upon a type of jewelry worn to protect the wearer, one would think the value is higher than $350. However, many such pieces can be found in the market with the same WWII provenance as BG’s bracelet, as there were 195,000 Allied forces in Egypt and 116,000 Axis forces. Soldiers bought back many such objects, and therefore this bangle, although beautiful, is not rare.
Elizabeth Stewart, PhD is a veteran appraiser of fine art, furniture, glass, and other collectibles, and a cert. member of the AAA and an accr. member of the ASA. Please send any objects to be appraised to Elizabethappraisals@ gmail.com
mindfulness, meditation, yoga, writing, and role play could be helpful. The only reason the work was allowed to continue is because school directors, physical teachers, probation officers, they saw the improvements with the students.”
Graham realizes there are already a number of nonprofits and organizations working in this space, even if only dabbling in programs as part of their mission.
She said Spirit Awakening could serve as at least a catalyst, if not a turnkey operation.
“This is what we are known for, this is what we do, and we do it well. We are able to create safe spaces for program participants to be able to really align with their true natures, to align with their purpose, to align with their authentic voices and to be able to then go out into the world being the people that they came here to be.”
Meanwhile, the current issue of screen time polluting young people’s minds and exacerbating disconnection isn’t going away on its own, and knows no geographic or income-related bounds.
“It’s a really big problem,” Graham said. “These things that initially were designed to bring us closer and put the world at our feet are separating us even more. What they read and see, the political climate, is making people very scared. And they don’t even know how to
communicate with people when they’re in proximity to someone in real time.”
Graham said SAF is helping its clients navigate how to write a cover letter for a résumé or job offer, which has always been a challenge, but faces even more problems in a world of social media.
“You don’t send a cover letter to someone with OMG in it,” she said. “Who can understand that?”
Breaking into Santa Barbara isn’t easy either. Recognizing that it might be a challenge to receive a donation large enough to immediately launch a largescale program in the area, the organization is happy to start small, just looking to connect with people who are interested in laying the groundwork or having an idea where the work might be valuable.
“Best case scenario would be to come and train others in the Spirit Awakening way,” Graham said. “It would be great to hear from someone who wants to sponsor this program at a school, or a training for an organization that’s already here so they don’t have to reinvent the wheel and start from scratch. Or we can collaborate so they can see the effectiveness. Or even just come to see this year’s Voices of the Unheard show at the Skirball Center in November, with this year’s theme of Reverence. Call us or email me and we’ll talk.”
Visit www.spiritawakening.org
(Continued from 20)
have a “pay as you can” policy. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit nonprofits Kind Mind Santa Barbara, Wilderness Youth Project, and the Sierra Club, and Sacred Garden’s founder Laura CaulfieldLewis will match up to $1,500.
Visit www.sacredgardenwellness.com
Krista Vorse leads one of her ongoing Infinity Loop Santa Barbara workshops called “Communication & Leadership Beyond the Ego” on Saturday, July 18. The three-hour experiential session is aimed at exploring how Connection, Awareness, and Inquiry transform the way we engage with others and can foster deeper connection and dialogue. Through guided dialogue and exercises, participants learn to recognize automatic thinking patterns and develop more conscious, impactful communication. The process involves transitioning from a judgmental, separate self to a receptive, unified awareness – an extension of our spiritual practice. Get details and more at www.kristavorse.com
Karmic Warrior Founder Lisa Witter’s annual summit is a free three-day online only workshop aimed at helping serious
spiritual practitioners stay grounded, clear, and connected in the midst of the markedly increased challenges of our time. “Tantra for Turbulent Times: Finding the Sacred in the Storm” runs July 25-27, with each day including teachings, practices, and conversations designed to guide participants in meeting the moment through the wisdom of classical non-dual Tantra.
The three main tracks during the summit feature tantric teachings and tantric practices followed by “Discernment and Devotion in Turbulent Times,” the latter focusing on how to recognize teachers and communities that are truly trustworthy, trauma-aware, and aligned with non-dual values.
Visit www.tantricartscollective.com for details and registration
Steven Libowitz has covered a plethora of topics for the Journal since 1997, and now leads our extensive arts and entertainment coverage
by Leslie Westbrook
There were two things I longed to experience during my two-week Japanese sojourn; one was to visit Kyoto, where my father was stationed in the US Army during “Occupied Japan,” and my other wish was to first rest and recover from the overseas flight and time change at an onsen-ryokan in the countryside. These are the traditional-style inns where one can soak in natural mineral waters and relax.
My hip friend Nicole Pierpont recommended Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku, a reasonably priced onsen tucked into the mountains north of Tokyo. The property featured indoor and outdoor mineral baths and spacious tatami-style rooms. Breakfast and dinner were included, making the Minakami retreat self-contained and an affordable, ideal place to recover from jet lag.
Olivia and I checked out of Tokyo’s Park Hotel and made our way to Tokyo Station, where we tried to decipher the signs to find our departure track and board the bullet train to Minakami station. We eventually found the Joestsu line – we’d splurged on first class tickets – and waited while a cleaning crew meticulously swept through the trains. When they finished, the entire crew lined up and bowed to the waiting passengers before boarding began.
Our seats were plush leather, the most luxurious of any trains we took in Japan. We shared the carriage with a cheerful group of young Swedish men who travel together annually and happened to be heading to the same onsen. The hour-long journey flew by. At Minakami Station, buses waited to transport guests up the mountain to Takaragawa. On the ride, we sat beside a Jane Austen scholar from Oxford and her food critic husband. I assumed we would inevitably cross paths again
during our stay, but aside from one brief encounter on a footbridge – where Ros Ballaster (author of Jane Austen’s Fashion Bible) kindly photographed us in our onsen-provided kimonos – we didn’t see them again until the return bus ride two days later.
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Meals at Takaragawa were served in private tatami dining rooms, which meant little opportunity for conversation with fellow travelers. The food was beautifully presented and endlessly interesting, if not always entirely to our taste. Breakfasts were hearty enough to resemble dinners, complete with grilled fish, rice, miso soup, pickles, and bento boxes filled with ingredients we cooked ourselves on grills, while small clay pots bubbled away simmering duck and vegetables over open flames. (I desperately want one of those donabe pots to cook Japanese style on tabletop!)
The most memorable culinary moment came when Olivia ordered something called “fish sake.” A ceramic pitcher shaped like a fish arrived at the table filled with hot sake that had an actual dead fish inside. I found it utterly horrifying, the taste reminiscent of cod liver oil, but Olivia happily savored every sip.
After two tranquil nights and many restorative soaks, I became quite devoted to the women-only outdoor bath and the indoor springs. The co-ed outdoor bath required us to wear a strange brown dress-like garment that floated around bathers like inflated balloons. I decided to pass on that experience.
And the setting – how do I even describe it? Snow lingered in patches along the forested ground. The sound of the river outside our room was endlessly calming whenever we slid open the shoji screens to let in the crisp March air. At night, the moon rose over the dark forest beyond the treetops. It was deliciously serene.
When it was time to leave, all the guests’ shoes had been neatly lined up in the lobby, waiting to be reunited with their owners before we boarded the buses back to the train station.
For two tranquil nights in Japan, Takaragawa Onsen provided a memorable introduction – both literal and figurative – to Japanese bathing culture, as well as a peaceful respite and an unforgettable immersion into the traditions and quiet beauty of Japan.
Visit www.takaragawa.com/english.html
On the train back to Tokyo, Olivia suddenly realized she’d made a hotel reservation for the wrong date. Within minutes, she worked her magic on her phone and secured us a last-minute room at a curiously named hotel called The Knot.
The room was comically tiny, and the bathroom – elevated and the size of a ship’s head – was barely large enough to turn around in. I announced that I would not even
bother unpacking for our single night there; I would simply brush my teeth and hair and move on the next day! Olivia, in search of a rare green tea, was in need of “retail therapy”; I needed an hour nap and some communing with nature. My Tokyo-based goddaughter Alpha appeared and we went in search of cherry blossoms and tranquility and found both in abundance. We managed a peaceful walk through the park across the street. We opted to skip the observation deck on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building designed by Kenzo Tange and stay closer to Mother Earth. Children laughed and played in a “woodchip” playground in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden while petals drifted through the air. Later, she led me to the first of what would become many shrine visits during my Japan sojourn.
We visited the famous Shinto shrine Meiji Jingu, where Alpha taught me the proper etiquette: wash your hands, bow deeply at the gates, clap twice to wake the gods, then bow again before entering and leaving. We tossed coins into the offering box while a silent monk observed nearby. I bought several temple amulets for protection and fortune called omamori – there were specific ones for health, good luck, good marriage and companionship, which made perfect gifts: small, meaningful, and easy to pack.
From there we wandered through the shrine’s ancient forest, passing ceremonial sake and wine barrels steeped in history before continuing to Yoyogi Park, where crowds picnicked beneath blooming cherry blossoms. People laughed, lounged, and posed endlessly for photographs under the pink sakura canopy.
Back at the hotel, what The Knot lacked in space, it made up for with its excellent restaurant, The Morethan – a grill, upstairs lounge and bakery with delicious Western/European-style food. After days of traditional Japanese meals, I was thrilled to encounter a European-style buffet overflowing with greens, vegetables, cheeses, and crusty baguettes. We loved it so much we ended up eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner there.
Back at The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku at day’s end, Alpha and I reunited with Olivia and befriended Lorenzo, The Morethan Grill’s maître d’ from Rome, along with Robin, a barrister from Switzerland. There was also a lovely upstairs Morethan Lounge where we enjoyed drinks. We wisely decided to stay for dinner and shared fried squid, a bizarre but delicious concoction described as “Mexican potato with guacamole atop crispy French fries,” shrimp paella, salad with chicken, and a bottle of Spanish wine. Dessert was two flavors of gelato –sesame and cherry blossom. Amazingly, our dinner for three was less than one hundred dollars.
All in all, it was a splendid onsen stay and a fun 24 hours in Tokyo, before we boarded the train to our next stop, Kyoto, on Sunday morning. Visit https://hotel-the-knot.jp/tokyoshinjuku/en/
Leslie A. Westbrook is a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel writer and journalist who loves exploring the globe. A 3rd generation Californian., Leslie also assists clients sell fine art, antiques, and collectibles via auction. www.auctionliaison.com
MONTECITO’S BEST BREAKFAST Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8:00AM - 11:30AM
Dogs don’t spend much time worrying about trophies. They’re generally content with a tennis ball, a shady patch of grass, and convincing strangers they haven’t eaten in days. Yet once a year, Rosewood Miramar transforms into a canine version of Westminster, where every wag carries a little extra swagger and every good dog seems convinced they’re a strong contender.
That annual spectacle returns Thursday, August 13, when the resort’s Best in Show once again turns the Great Lawn into Montecito’s happiest gathering of four-legged personalities. Equal parts dog show, garden party, and neighborhood reunion, it’s an afternoon where polished purebreds mingle with lovable mutts, tiny scene-stealers share the spotlight with gentle giants, and every contestant arrives convinced they have this thing in the bag.
The competition celebrates dogs of every shape, size, and disposition, with awards recognizing everything from Best in Show to standout tricks, style, and spirit. Around the ring, spectators can expect specialty bites and drinks for humans and hounds alike, VIP seating overlooking the action, and plenty of tail-wagging entertainment between judging rounds. Best of all, proceeds from the event benefit local animal welfare organizations, making it one of those rare competitions where everyone really does go home a winner.
Every day, I walk through Manning Park with my beloved dog, Maggie, and I can’t help but feel a pang of guilt every time she eagerly nudges her leash, yearning to run freely and socialize. Like many others in Montecito, I cherish the peacefulness of our parks, but I also recognize the pressing need for a dedicated space where our dogs can play off leash without disturbing those who prefer a quieter environment.
Currently, Santa Barbara County has clear regulations prohibiting dogs from being off leash in public parks. While these rules are essential for preserving order and safety, they also inadvertently stifle the natural joy and sociability of our canine companions. This often leads to resi- dents ignoring leash laws, not out of defiance, but from a desire to let their pets experience the social and physical enrichment they truly need.
A well-designed enclosed dog park within Manning Park would pro- vide the perfect solution. It would not only ensure safety and enjoyment for both dogs and people but also foster a greater sense of community among pet owners. Montecito, with its strong sense of community and shared spaces, deserves a place where dogs can safely play. Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of dog parks, ranging from the improvement of dogs’ social skills and behavioral wellness to the reduc- tion of stress in their owners.
Moreover, creating an enclosed area for dogs isn’t just beneficial for pet owners. It helps in curtailing potential conflicts between dogs and people who are seeking solace in the park or are perhaps not fond of dogs. The designated space would alleviate such concerns, making Manning Park a more pleasant experience for everyone.
We are calling upon Santa Barbara County officials to consider this proposal seriously. Montecito’s canines, like Maggie, deserve a space to run and socialize freely and safely. Let’s come together as a community to make this happen.
Please sign this petition to show your support for an enclosed dog park at Manning Park. Together, we can make our community even more harmonious for all its members, two-legged and four-legged alike.
Thank you,
Carolyne Ferguson
Visit https://tinyurl.com/Dog-Park-in-Manning to sign the petition
Dogs unite! You will soon be able to bring your furry loved ones to a dedicated park just for dogs, pending the Carp ARB approval on the design and development plans to make the Monte Vista Dog Park permanent at the Thursday, July 16, meeting. While waiting to hear, the park’s Temporary Use Permit has been renewed for another year. Pet owners and supporters can show some love by sponsoring a Dogipot Station for $160/year – contact abigailg@carpinteriaca.gov. Meanwhile, The Well on Lillie Ave, Summerland donated Dogipot Stations for the community. Placements include the Summerland Presbyterian Church.
And in case you need more dog one-on-ones, the Carpinteria Library’s certified therapy doggies invite kids of all ages to read them a story every Thursday at 10 am, throughout the summer. Call the library to sign up!
All paws say “Aye” and perhaps set a precedent for Dogs of Montecito!
the Santa Barbara Invitational Concours with a come-hither octane. This may be how such enriching blue-chip traditions survive; by drawing in and speaking to the previously uninitiated.
“I attended an event called The Future of Concours and Car Shows,” Rosso says “At that particular forum they talked about the fact that if they didn’t do something to change the demographics, if they didn’t work on how to expand that, Concours would fade away, because that audience was aging out. We’re really trying to work on the demographics.”
The Santa Barbara Invitational Concours will indeed feature a bevy of museum-quality automotive marvels, mechanical and aesthetic thoroughbreds arrayed like Chariots of the Gods around the gemlike oceanfront grounds of the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. Those lush lawns, tenderized by generations of cooperative ponies, will soften the impact of those inclined to fainting spells. But to hear Rosso and Brighton tell it, the new SB Invitational Concours plans to leverage an extra two cylinders cast into the block.
“We’re intent on bringing that younger generation in, and including female car collectors, as well.”
When our beloved and culturally elating institutions start to look a little long in the tooth, we don’t abandon them; we usher in the enthusiasts who’ve been cooling their heels out in the parking lot. Linda, Diane, and this inaugural Santa Barbara Invitational Concours are all over that mission. How? Here’s a sampling. Let us count the RPMs (thrilling deets at sbinvitational.org).
“We’re really excited about the opportunity to engage the [National Automotive
Technicians Education Foundationaccredited] Santa Barbara City College Automotive Service and Technology Program students,” Rosso exclaims. “Each class of cars requires three Concours judges, and we were able to secure an apprentice program for Concours judges and share that with the department at SBCC. So there will be two Concours judges and one apprentice student with them – a really exciting opportunity for the students, and it’s fun for the judges, too, because they love sharing their knowledge and experience.”
Rosso showed me the fine print “Apprentice Judging Program Training Manual,” a dense read that some might consider homework, but that any fledgling gearhead would digest like ambrosia. Some have already signed on, and Rosso’s Fall presentation at SBCC should enliven the youngsters further.
One other thing: “We are not charging admission to students with a valid student ID.”
Westmont and UCSB… you in?
There will be three VIP experiences at the Santa Barbara Invitational Concours, and first among these equals (imo) will be a greasepaint-daubed bouquet called – yes – Tea, Torque, and Tiaras If you’ve seen these three words together before, raise your hand.
“Typically the VIP tents are very, very nice,” Rosso avers. “You go in and there’s great food and beverages and all those things. But we really wanted to celebrate and encourage, first of all, females with the Tea, Torque, and Tiaras. We wanted to have something, so to speak, for everyone. Anybody can go in there, of course, but we’re gearing it towards women.”
“We’ve been to Concours,” Diane Brighton chimes in pleasantly, “and it seems like it’s mostly for men. The women often head out to shop in the city
hosting the Concours. Well, women have become owners and participants. Now should be the time that they start shining and are given the recognition they deserve.”
The yang to that yin is surely the aptly-named Sports Motor-Cave. “I was once working for a philanthropic fundraiser,” Rosso says. “There were 500 cyclists, and we had all kinds of great vendors and people there. And at a certain point I was looking around, and I couldn’t understand why people were leaving. And my husband said to me, “Well, so-andso and so-and-so are playing today.” [… fill in your own so-and-so’s, conflicted gentlemen.] “So I said, ‘Oh my God, next year I’m going to have a sports tent!’ And so the next year nobody left.” The Santa Barbara Invitational Concours site encouragingly describes this experience as, “Where horsepower meets game day,” and the sumptuous space depicted there should assuage any sports fan’s doubts.
The Santa Barbara Invitational Concours VIP experience will also include The Riviera Reserve: Cigar &
Tasting Lounge, with non-VIP add-ons including The Santa Barbara Concours Tour: A Scenic Journey, and the Concours Sunset Soirée. And one more touch of audience-broadening Concours innovation is the Club Car Corral.
“For instance, the Porsche Club of Ventura,” says Rosso, “…or Prancing Ponies, which is a female Ferrari club, can come with up to 25 cars, and those will be displayed. They won’t be judged by a Concours judge, but they will be shared with the public.”
Proceeds from the blowout will benefit SBCC’s Automotive Service and Technology program, Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, and the Family Service Agency. A truly next-level time will be had by all; and it helps if you like your automobiles in the recherché category. November’s Santa Barbara Invitational Concours is truly an all-hands for car folk of every stripe. And if there is a more avid catchment of such folk, we haven’t heard of it.
“We have a lot of collectors here in this area,” Linda Rosso understates, “…and we really want those collectors to come out and show their cars. It’s really right in their back yard.”
Again, if you believe your own garaged, lovingly pampered baby has a shot at competing, submit at sbinvitational.org/participants-2
Jeff Wing is a journalist, raconteur, autodidact, and polysyllable enthusiast. He has been writing about Montecito and environs since before some people were born. He can be reached at jeff@ montecitojournal.net
What drives someone to spend a life in medicine? In this Q&A series, a group of leading local physicians share the moments that set them on their path, the breakthroughs shaping their fields, and the realities behind the work. Their answers are candid, occasionally surprising, and grounded in experience. Together, they offer a clear-eyed look at the people delivering care in our community and what continues to motivate them every day.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how did you select your particular specialty?
A. I was drawn to neurology because the brain is still so unknown – endlessly complex, still poorly understood, and central to everything that makes us human. Epilepsy specifically pulled me in because it sits at this fascinating intersection of electrophysiology, behavior, and lived experience. When a seizure happens, you’re watching the brain momentarily lose its own regulation. But we now know enough that not only are medications available – surgical and device-based treatments have genuinely given patients their lives back.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job – and the most challenging?
Improving how Sutter delivers neurological care to the entire Central Coast – not just one patient at a time. Being part of a large system gives us access to resources, research, and data we never would have had before. The challenge is translating all of that into actual patient care against a backdrop of constantly shifting insurance rules and government regulations.
If you weren’t a physician, what career could you see yourself in?
Strategic planning, financial modeling, operational design – I’m drawn to systems-level thinking and financial modeling. I do a lot of that work within our group already, given the operational work within the neuroscience service line. So a position like that wouldn’t be a huge leap.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
What’s not to love about wine country? Using our local wine club memberships is the best way to wind down after work. When my wife and I have the ability to travel outside of Santa Barbara, being able to return back to Chicago where we lived for seven years and exploring our old neighborhoods in Lincoln Park and River North. Seeking out great food and drink experiences – a well-curated sake list or a thoughtfully made omakase is a great evening. I also love my Southern California sports teams – there’s something about a great venue and an exciting atmosphere that just resets the brain.
Describe your perfect day off.
Waking up late, taking the time to make our own espresso in the morning – I’m really particular about my beans and my coffee bar setup – followed by a long walk with my wife and our Australian shepherd down to the park so he can play with his friends before we head up to Santa Ynez Valley to relax in the sun at of one of our wine clubs. Relaxing on the patio at home by the fire pit while the sun sets followed by dinner with a few friends over is a great way to end the day. Simple but perfect for us.
As Sansum Clinic begins a new chapter as part of Sutter Health, we remain united by a shared mission: to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the communities we serve. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare on the Central Coast.
Colleges and Universities received the award this year. He credits Westmont’s holistic, interdisciplinary curriculum, which included studying abroad with the Westmont in Cairo program and co-leading a spiritual formation group, for making him a standout NSF applicant.
“By studying volcanoes and subduction zones, I get to better understand God’s creation while helping to protect the Pacific Northwest community that I call home,” he says. “My Westmont education made so much of this possible.”
Alumnus Sam Renwick (’95) has created a successful career translating scientific uncertainty into economic insight, helping healthcare and life science companies backed by venture capital navigate high-stakes financial decisions. For more than two decades, he has spun a complex track blending biopharma valuation and forecasting with venture capital strategy.
“You have concepts on your left turntable and concepts on your right turntable. You mix them together, and something new emerges,” he says, describing his work as founder of RNA Advisors.
When things go well, he adds a third and fourth turntable. “I look at complex adaptive systems and complexity theory in one area, apply it to finance, and then apply it to neuroscience, neurobiology and a lot of biology,” he says. “With AI, I can explore this stuff in many different ways to figure out what’s true.
“That mindset definitely comes from thinking about all this in different ways, thanks to the Westmont liberal arts environment. Exposure, breadth, and curiosity will help define what it means to be human in an increasingly AI-driven world.”
In the last three years, a quarter of the biotech companies going public were RNA’s clients. These IPOs and other venture capital efforts fund the innovation of life-changing therapies, from cancers to genetic disorders. “It’s cool to think our work played a part in getting these advancements to the market to help people,” he says.
Sam graduated from Westmont with a degree in economics and business and a minor in mathematics. He also earned an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and a master’s in psychology from Pepperdine. He credits his college experience for fostering the curiosity and gumption required to thrive as a strategic adviser. He’s now completing an Executive Doctorate of Business Administration at Saint Mary’s College of California.
Sam’s musical journey began with a legendary 300-person underground dance party that eventually led him to the same stage as Boy George in San Francisco. Today, he channels his creative energy into Integrated Rhythm Records, his own independent label and platform. When not working or raising his two children in Sparks, Nevada, he enjoys producing dance music that connects people. “Whether it’s in church or out on the dance floor, music does exactly that, and you get people bouncing up and down together. It’s called vibe.”
(IV) access for the administration of fluids and medications, cardiac defibrillation for life-threatening heart rhythms, advanced medication administration, and advanced airway management, among many other lifesaving procedures. These are not skills learned once and rarely used; they require continual education, regular skills assessments, simulation-based training, and ongoing medical oversight to ensure our paramedics remain proficient and prepared for the moments when these interventions matter most.
One of the most important procedures our paramedics perform is advanced airway management during severe respiratory emergencies. Patients suffering from significant trauma, cardiac arrest, severe allergic reactions, respiratory failure, or other life-threatening medical conditions may lose the ability to breathe adequately on their own. In these situations, securing a patient’s airway quickly and effectively becomes one of the highest priorities.
One of the most advanced methods of securing an airway is endotracheal intubation, a procedure in which a breathing tube is carefully placed into the patient’s trachea to provide a secure airway and allow for controlled ventilation during transport to a definitive care facility. This highly specialized procedure is reserved for critically ill or injured patients and requires extensive training, precision, and clinical judgment. Successful airway management can be one of the most important factors in improving a patient’s chances of survival and recovery.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Montecito residents Craig and Michelle Taylor , the District has recently enhanced this lifesaving capability through the acquisition of state-of-the-art video laryngoscopy equipment. The Taylors donated 25 video laryngoscopes to be distributed across the Santa Barbara County
Fire Departments. This technology represents a significant advancement over traditional airway management techniques by allowing paramedics to view the patient’s airway on a high-definition video screen during the intubation procedure. Rather than relying solely on a direct line of sight, providers can clearly visualize critical airway anatomy, identify injuries or abnormalities, and precisely guide the breathing tube into the correct position.
Introducing new medical technology into service requires much more than simply purchasing new equipment. Before these devices were placed into service, District paramedics completed several weeks of comprehensive education, hands-on practice, simulation training, and competency evaluations to ensure every provider was comfortable and proficient in their use. This commitment to ongoing professional development reflects the District’s dedication to maintaining excellence in emergency medical services.
The Montecito Fire Protection District continually seeks opportunities to improve the services we provide while embracing innovations that enhance firefighter safety and improve patient care. Investments in advanced medical technology, ongoing training, and professional development ensure our personnel remain prepared to meet the needs of our community today and well into the future.
We are sincerely grateful for the continued support of the Montecito community and especially to Craig and Michelle Taylor for their remarkable generosity. Their commitment to public safety has enabled the District to provide our firefighter-paramedics with another invaluable tool that will directly benefit those we serve. Partnerships like these allow us to continue advancing our capabilities and fulfilling our mission of delivering the highest level of emergency medical and fire protection services to the residents and visitors of Montecito.
JamieKnee@petitewinetraveler.com
by Beatrice Tolan
In a man-cave bar in the L.A.’s Art District, I watch the World Cup… but I’m really waiting for the Pride event, a packed setlist of queer musicians, to set up next door. I’ve instructed my buddy Stephen Dabby to arrive an hour early for our chat. Stephen is a charming studio artist with a bright smile, bushy beard, and boisterous nature. Though we both grew up in Santa Barbara, it’s our first time hanging solo. What better conversation to break the ice than to discuss his transition into a man?
Stephen graciously recounts his transition process, expounding on its highs and lows while dispelling common misconceptions. He also provides critical insight on how allies can support the
trans community in the particularly scary time we find ourselves in.
Q. When did you first come out as a trans man?
A. Well, I first came out as gay at 14 or 15… I swear I came out like two to three times. But I was still presenting as a female. The second time I came out as genderfluid when I got voted as prom king.
Were you presenting as masc (masculine) at the time?
Yeah, I had an undercut; that’s how it starts. And then I came out as trans at 21. That was definitely the most nerve-wracking one.
How was that process?
So, I’m in my third year at Sonoma State University as a woman’s and gender studies
The upper wings of the Gulf Fritillary (Dione vanillae) are a brilliant red-orange. This specimen on exhibit at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History reveals the glamorous silver spots hidden on the underside. Another neat feature of this view is the leg arrangement distinctive to the family Nymphalidae or brush-footed butterflies. Almost all adult insects have six legs, but brush-footed butterflies appear to have four legs, since their frontmost pair of legs has evolved into a little pair of brushes to clean their mouthparts. Dione vanillae can be seen throughout much of the Americas, including our Central Coast. Look for them near their passion-fruit-bearing host plants. There’s a Passiflora vine in the Museum’s parking lot that is closely observed by Schlinger Curator of Entomology Alex Harman, PhD, for this reason. For a truly memorable butterfly experience, visit the Museum’s Sprague Butterfly Pavilion, home to the Butterflies Alive! exhibit through Labor Day weekend.
student. And I’m like, holy shit: I’m actually a trans man. I guess I’d always known this. Growing up, I’d always been a tomboy. My parents never pushed gender on me either, so I never questioned my gender because it was so fluid anyways. And I always went by like an abbreviated version of my dead name [name before transitioning] because it was more affirming to me. At the time, I didn’t really understand what that meant for me.
You didn’t attribute it to gender euphoria? Yeah, I just knew it felt good. And I didn’t question it more than that. Anything more than questioning would bring me to a really uncomfortable place. When I thought of trans people – and this was my internalized transphobia – I thought about sex and genitals. But once I started taking women’s and gender studies classes, I really peeled back the societal and patriarchal parts of why I was thinking that way. When I realized what was going on for me, I left school because I needed to start T [testosterone]. It was in a pretty serious way.
How would you describe gender dysphoria to somebody who has never felt it?
It’s like you’re putting a puzzle together, and it’s the most beautiful puzzle you’ve ever seen… but the pieces that have the most detail in it are missing. Coming to the conclusion I was trans was like finding all of those last pieces in one bucket and knowing exactly where they fit. I sat my parents down and started crying. And I finally got it out. My dad was like, “Why are you crying?” And I was like, “I’m scared.” And he goes, “If you told me that you were a zebra, I’d go out and find the stripes for you.”
How would you describe the experience of transitioning?
With this answer, I will take into account the privilege of now passing [appearing cisgender]. People don’t mistake my pronouns. But in the beginning, I wasn’t passing. It was a lot of weird looks, people misgendering me, and hostility. It would be stupid to not say that in my transition, I tried to follow the path of least resistance. There’s all these fish going downstream, and then there’s one salmon that just turns around like, “Okay, I’m going the other way!” That’s kind of how I saw my transition. People are not gonna be going with me in the current, but that’s my path to exist, and I just got to fucking do it.
Was it interesting to reintroduce yourself to people who knew you before you transitioned? I never wanted it to be a big deal because I’m exactly the same person. The only thing that’s different is the way I present myself. Pretty much everything except for my soul has changed.
Yeah, that’s interesting. I sometimes sort of see my outer self as my avatar. And as I get older, the things I change about my
avatar are what I would have naturally been doing if there wasn’t a societal expectation not to.
That’s actually a great way to put how I feel being trans, especially in L.A. I feel way more comfortable experimenting with my femininity. I have fully accepted individuality within myself because it’s such a big town. I’m not seeing the same people twice.
And to your point about leaning into femininity: I think a lot of people assume that if you’re a transman, you’re aiming to look like a cisman [non-trans male]. We are hopefully entering a place where a man, regardless if he is cis or trans, can lean into femininity, can wear skirts, can do whatever the fuck he really wants. Exactly. It’s that rebellious expansiveness that I’m leaning into, wearing tank tops and crop tops that I would never do before transitioning.
How do you feel when people say something to the effect of “I don’t want to offend you” or “I’m nervous about saying the wrong thing”? To me, I am such a forgiving and open person. I can’t speak for anyone else. But you know what? We can talk about it and I’ll tell you if it’s offensive, which it rarely is in the end. There’s just this fear of saying the wrong thing, getting canceled, or having someone’s perspective change.
With recent laws targeting the rights of transgender folks, how can people who see themselves as allies make trans people in the community feel more welcome?
Support the Santa Barbara Trans Advocacy Network (SBTAN)! They were my first safe haven when I moved back to Santa Barbara. And the people who aren’t trans, I feel like they should do their own research. If I could, I would have everybody know a trans person. If you personally know someone who is trans, you build empathy and sympathy. You’re like, “This whole time I thought being trans was A, B, and C, when really, it’s just this person that I adore.” Even if you’re scared, ask questions. Lean into the uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid of the uncertain, because if we all were, then no one would be trans.
by Ernie Witham
We took the table in the corner looking out. It’s not because I’m worried about East Coast Mafioso figures coming to rub me out, or DEA agents wondering why I smell like a hemp field on fire (those days are but a mere pipe dream now), it’s just that I like to observe the everyday goings-on when I’m on vacation.
Today I watched as a couple sat down at the picnic table in front of us – indoor picnic tables are big here as fine dining consists of sea creatures and beer. The man had a cold drink. His wife ordered two whole lobsters and an ear of corn which came with a bib and a bucket. The lobsters seemed to stare at us as the waitress set them down.
It reminded me of a trip to Maine many years ago with Christy, Jon, and Patrick Pat and I ordered lobsters. They had never seen them before.
“They still have eyes!”
“And antennas!”
Pat – their loving mother who makes pledges to save the whales – strapped on a bib, tore off a claw, opened it with a “double jaw lobster crack” tool, pulled out a hunk, and smiled gleefully as the butter ran down her chin.
“Mom!” they said in unison, then immediately moved to a different table. It was a Kodak moment.
Today we were in Perkins Cove, Maine, at an establishment called the Lobster Shack. Every neighboring restaurant had a lobster name and sign. Some of the lobsters were smiling. Others seemed more stoic as if they had many tales to tell but knew their tails were coming to an end.
The day before, we had taken a boat ride out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, into lobster territory with Shane and Stacey. Commercial fishermen in New Hampshire harvest roughly 5.7 million pounds of lobster each year. Based on the average weight of 1.5 to 2.5 pounds that’s 3.8 to 4.5 million lobsters. The captain told us all about the industry and how hard it was.
“Too small, they must throw them back. Too large, they must throw them back. If it’s female covered in eggs they must throw them back.”
If I were a lobster I would go on a diet, go to the gym, or find a bottom-dwelling Sponge Bob character who was dealing eggs on the side and I would score enough to make an egg jacket.
“Sorry, you have to throw me back,”
I would say in my most feminine lobster voice.
“Lobster fishermen only make about two dollars a pound for keepers,” the captain continued.
“Then why does it cost a hundred bucks for a lobster dinner,” Stacey wanted to know.
The captain mumbled something about the cost of lobster traps and buoys, but we were a bit skeptical.
Turns out lobster wasn’t always the best meal in town according to a guide we had at the Strawberry Bank Museum in Portsmouth. We were in one of dozens of historic buildings and the guide was giving us the history of the Governor Goodwin Mansion which was built in 1811.
“In the other room there was a celery vase, which unfortunately is not on display.”
I wondered who would steal a celery vase or any vegetable vase for that matter.
“Celery was a luxury. It was not grown here so only the well-to-do, like Governor Goodwin, could afford to have it shipped by rail from down south. Lobster at that time was considered poor man’s food. Matter of fact, prisoners complained that all they ever had to eat was lobster.”
Is it just me or is life weird?
Perusing the menu, we decided to get lobster rolls for lunch, which are much easier to eat. And, being here for the celebration of the 250th year of our country, we patriotically ordered two Sam Adams beers. The man in front of us was now facetiming his wife tearing into her crustaceans for the kids back home, as he related that the last time there were here, she ate four lobsters in one sitting. We couldn’t see her chin but I’m guessing it was glistening.
Like us, she was doing her best to keep the lobster industry alive and well. Celery be damned.
“What’s next?” Pat asked.
“Moose-droppings ice cream,” I said. “It’s a tradition.”
Ernie Witham has been writing humor for more than 25 years. He is the author of three humor books and is the humor workshop leader at the prestigious Santa Barbara Writers Conference.
by Jace Turner
Santa Barbara Public Library’s Summer Reading Program for all ages is well underway. Young readers equipped with their Reading Adventure Logs have been visiting us at Montecito Library to talk about the books they’re reading. Shiny beads are given for each book they talk about with staff, and some of our readers have amassed quite the collection! And be sure to join us on Saturday, July 25, for Montecito Library’s Ice Cream Social at Upper Manning Park, where young readers can pick up their Summer Reading prize packet. Teens and adults are busy exploring books “off their beaten reading path” thanks to prompts found in our Summer Reading Zine SBPL book totes and a staff-designed sticker sheet are given to adults and teens just for signing up! (Available at Montecito Library only and while supplies last.)
Library on the Go (LOTG) New Stops! We’re excited to add two new LOTG stops: Summerland at Outlook Park (alternating Wednesdays) and Montecito YMCA (July 29 and August 12). Visitors can get library cards, check out books, learn how to use the library’s digital resources, or just chat with friendly library staff. To learn more about Library on the Go, visit sbplibrary.org/LOTG Mah Jongg programs at Montecito Library continue to fill up quickly. These programs are generously sponsored by the Friends of the Montecito Library. The summer session of Learn to Play Mah Jongg for Beginners is full, but stay tuned for another round of classes in the fall. Mah Jongg Open Play sessions will run through October.
We’re delighted to welcome back the UC Master Gardeners who will be presenting on Container Gardening. Participants will learn about the benefits of container gardening – even when ground soil space exists; topics covered will be the importance of correct potting mixes, fertilizers, right plant/right place determinations, drainage, and specifics on the kinds of edible plants that can successfully grow in containers.
Whether you sign up for our Summer Reading Program, attend an event, check out an armload of
books, or just stop by to say hi, we appreciate you ! The best way to support your local library is to use your local library.
Happy reading everyone!
LOTG | Lookout Park, Summerland
Wednesdays 10 am – 12 pm
July 15, July 29, Aug 5, Aug 12, Aug 19, Aug 26
https://calendar.library.santabarbaraca. gov/event/copy-lotg-lookout-park-30134
Learn to Play Mah Jongg for Beginners in Four Easy Lessons
FULL
https://calendar.library.santabarbaraca. gov/event/copy-learn-play-mah-jonggbeginners-four-easy-lessons-30287
UC Master Gardeners at Montecito Library
Friday, July 17, | 10 am – 11:30 am https://calendar.library.santabarbaraca. gov/event/uc-master-gardenersmontecito-library-29907
Hot Off the Press: Watercolor Workshop Thursday, July 23 | 10 am – 12 pm https://calendar.library.santabarbaraca. gov/event/hot-press-watercolorworkshop-28936
Mah Jongg Open Play at Montecito Library July 24 | 10 am – 12 pm Registration will open on July 8 @ 12:01pm https://calendar.library.santabarbaraca. gov/event/mah-jongg-open-playmontecito-library-29495
Magical Montecito Ice Cream Social Saturday, July 25 | 11 am – 2 pm Upper Manning Park https://calendar.library.santabarbaraca. gov/event/ice-cream-social-montecitolibrary-29662
LOTG | Montecito YMCA Wednesdays | 2:30 – 4:30 pm July 29 & Aug 12 https://calendar.library.santabarbaraca. gov/event/lotg-montecito-ymca-29883
All Montecito Library programs are free and open to the public, although some require registration. Learn more at: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov
In her press release for the event, Alzina explained, “The summit is designed to move beyond the conversation about AI and into practical implementation, equipping educators with tools, strategies, and ethical frameworks to prepare students for an AI-powered future. The summit also showcases Cold Spring School District’s commitment to innovation, through presentations by district educators and students demonstrating how AI is enhancing creativity, personalized learning, and instructional excellence while maintaining a strong focus on ethics, human connection, and student well-being. The summit reflects the district’s belief that schools have a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape how AI is used to improve learning while preserving the relationships, creativity, and critical thinking that define great education.”
The summit’s lineup of nationally recognized speakers and innovators included:
Day One: Adam Brotman, former chief digital officer of Starbucks and co-author of AI First; Dina Neyman of Khan Academy; Christian Jackson, founder and CEO of EDAPT and one of the nation’s leading voices on AI in education; Amy Jamieson, and Dora Palfi, CEO of imagi, whose presentation, “Let’s Use the AI Hype to Reimagine Education,” explores how AI can unlock creativity and transform learning experiences for students.
Day Two: Christian Jackson, president of Capitol Advisors Group, Kevin Gordon, Christine Feenstra and Chris Hoang of CALIE, F3 Law Managing Partner, Gretchen Shipley, Jeanette Cooke, Erin Walker of Next Gen Math, and leaders from CALIE, Alpha Schools, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, and Cold Spring School District.
Dr. Alzina continues to expand the scope and policy of AI in California schools via her roles as chair of ACSA’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, and board member for both the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA).
Healing Justice SB Co-executive Directors Simone Akila Ruskamp and Leticia Forney Resch invite the Black community and supporters to their annual event titled, “2026 Black Student Alliance Leadership Adventure Day,” Saturday, July 18, from 11 am to 5 pm, at SB City College Campus. The event is a collaboration with Healing Justice SB and the SB City College Umoja Program. The HJSB Black Student Alliance (BSA) is the local SB chapter of the national organization, The Black Student Alliance, with chapters on college campuses across the U.S.
The HJSB BSA mission statement is: “The Black Student Alliance is a dynamic mentorship program designed to empower Black-identifying high school students by providing a platform for self-expression, visibility, and advocacy. Through this initiative, we strive to build a strong sense of community among students, fostering an environment where they can connect, share experiences, and support one another as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and education. Our Student Mentors play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of leaders by equipping them with essential skills, resources, and guidance. This mentorship not only promotes academic success but also encourages personal growth, resilience, and confidence. Ultimately, our goal is to amplify the voices of these students, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued. By advocating for their needs and fostering an inclusive, supportive space, we aim to create lasting positive change in their lives and empower them to be advocates for themselves and their communities.”
RSVP is required on/before July 15, by 5 pm.
The event programming includes a full day of leadership building activities, bonding with new friends, lunch, and refreshments. There are outdoor team building activities, like kayaking and treasure hunts, and goal setting sessions with Black Student Alliance leaders.
The Montecito Journal wishes to join Healing Justice SB in congratulating its three staff members on their June 2026 graduation from UCSB, and for their work with the Black Student Alliance, administrative and outreach work, and more. They are Faith, Nyela, and Amina.
411: www.hjsb.org/ www.sbcc.edu/umoja/index.php
We are happy to report that the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (SYBCI) announced the successful repatriation of cultural items and ancestors from the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University and the Yale Peabody Museum.
The SYBCI press releases explains, “The repatriation followed two separate Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) notices issued by Harvard and Yale and represents the culmination of years of consultation and collaboration between the Tribe and both institutions.”
Kathleen Marshall, NAGPRA representative, Museum board chairwoman and lead language teacher for SYBCI, says she hopes the successful collaboration with Harvard and Yale serves as an example to other Tribal nations pursuing repatriation efforts, demonstrating that meaningful consultation, persistence, and mutual respect can lead to the return of ancestors and cultural items.
Marshall, “This repatriation has formed a solid relationship between our Tribe, Harvard Peabody and Yale Peabody. It has taken four years to complete, with many visits to the East Coast. Working with these two institutions have proven to be a rewarding endeavor. They learned from us, they listened. It did not come without conflict and hard conversations, but ultimately, they did the right thing. The people who are in place now respect cultural knowledge, and it ended up with our ancestors and their belongings coming home in a positive way, leaving behind respectful relationships.
“Our ancestors and their belongings were stolen from their resting place, a place where their families and communities prayed and grieved, leaving them to rest. For them to be taken, stolen, and put in wood trays or boxes, traveling all over the country and all over the world, is cruel and inhumane. The institutions that receive federal funding are all now following the NAGPRA process to ensure the ancestors return to the federally recognized Tribes. With these returns, the ancestors receive a proper ceremony with all Chumash nations. We are guaranteeing their return to our Mother Earth is done privately, and they are placed back to the land they came from.”
In response to the SYBCI repatriation requests, Jane Pickering, the William & Muriel Seabury Howells director of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University said, “It has been an honor to collaborate with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians on this repatriation. We are tremendously grateful for their generosity and trust as we worked through the process to return these important items home. The Peabody Museum is committed to conducting repatriations in ways that help heal the wounds of historical trauma and with a deeper understanding of our responsibilities to Tribal communities past, present and future.”
And adding remarks on this work, Jessie Cohen, assistant director of Repatriation at Yale Peabody Museum, stated, “Over the past four years, the Yale Peabody Museum has had the unique privilege of consulting with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians towards this repatriation. Through open and honest collaboration, the Tribe and Museum engaged in consultations leading to the Museum’s largest repatriation of cultural items to date. The removal of these materials from traditional Chumash homelands has caused trauma and harm, and we hope their return brings healing to the Tribe.”
This important work on repatriation was first reported in the Montecito Journal on March 2024 (https://tinyurl.com/MJ-Chumash-Repatriation-2024) and in 2025 with the grand opening of the SYBCI Museum and Cultural Center (https://tinyurl. com/MJ-Chumash-Museum-Open).
NAGPRA, a federal law enacted in 1990, establishes a process for federally recognized Tribes to seek the return of human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony held by institutions receiving federal funding.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is located in Santa Barbara County. Its reservation was established and officially recognized by the federal government in 1901. Today, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians remains the only federally recognized Chumash Tribe in the nation. The Tribe is a self-governing sovereign nation and follows the laws set forth in its Tribal constitution.
Joanne A Calitri is a professional international photographer and journalist. Contact her at: artraks@ yahoo.com
The MONTECITO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT has a vacancy on its Board of Directors. Persons interested in applying to fill the vacancy should know the following:
▪ An applicant must reside within the boundaries of the Montecito Fire Protection District and be a registered voter of the District. The district boundaries map can be found at montecitofire.com/district-boundariesmap
▪ The appointee must run in the General Elections in November 2026 to retain the appointed seat, and preference will be given to those willing to run.
▪ Regular Board of Directors meetings are held on the fourth Monday of every month beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Fire Station 91 located at 595 San Ysidro Road, Montecito, CA 93108. Directors are expected to be faithful in attendance.
▪ Directors are encouraged to serve on at least one Board Committee that meets monthly and may need to represent the District at other meetings.
▪ Education and experience in finance, business, strategic planning, or related fields are desirable.
▪ Interested persons should submit a cover letter with a detailed resume to the Montecito Fire Protection District at Station 91 no later than August 10, 2026 by 4:00 p.m.
▪ Interviews for the position will be conducted by the Board of Directors at a public meeting on August 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with the appointment being made no later than September 7, 2026.
▪ Cover letters, resumes/statements of qualifications and requests for further information should be addressed to:
Brian Fallon, Fire Chief Montecito Fire Protection District 595 San Ysidro Road Montecito, CA 93108 (805) 969–2537
Documents can also be emailed to: cgodlis@montecitofire.com
Published July 16 and 30, 2026 // Montecito Journal
• Lilac | Happy Hour: Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 pm | Featuring $10 wines by the glass, including Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, and a GSM blend
- Introducing Afternoon Tea: Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 pm | Featuring a selection of teas with petite pastries and tea sandwiches | $65 for two guests
• Lion’s Tale | Happy Hour: Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 5:30 pm
- All Night Happy Hour | Monday from 4 pm to 12 am
- Burger & Martini Sundays | Get 1/2 off any house martini with the purchase of any burger.
- SB Jazz Collective | Every Wednesday from 6:30 to 9 pm
- Live Music | June 11 & 18 from 6 to 8 pm | Sticky Tables: Guitar-led throwback instrumental covers
• LOCAL | Happy Hour: Monday through Wednesday from 4 to 6 pm | Thursday through Sunday from 3 to 6 pm
• Monte’s | Happy Hour in the bar and lounge area: Wednesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 pm | Offering a selection of snacks, $10 house martini, discounted select glasses of wine, and $5 Pacifico!
- Farmers Market: On the deck! Friday from 10 am to 1 pm
• Renaud’s Bistro | $6 Almond Croissant Tuesdays (includes chocolate almond croissants)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KARLA OVALLE DESIGN, 1255 Hager Ln, Buellton, CA 93427. CREATIVE KARLA LLC, 1255 Hager Ln, Buellton, CA 93427. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on July 10, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001769. Published July 16, 23, 30, and August 6, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DAILY NOGIN, 16 Violet Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93117. TIFFANY S HYUN, PO BOX 6573, Santa Barbara, CA 93160. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa
Barbara County on July 2, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001710. Published July 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MTG DIVORCE FAMILY LAW & AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS, 2058 Elise Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. MTG LEGAL GROUP, APC, 2058 Elise Way 6573, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on July 6, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk.
I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL).
FBN No. 2026-0001717. Published July 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026
ORDER FOR PUBLICATION OF SUMMONS OR CITATION: CASE No. 26CV03857. Notice to Defendant: Charlotte Frost. You are being sued by Plaintiff: Tami Chambers. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons is served on you to file a written response at the Superior Court of California, Santa Barbara, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default. If you lose, the court can order that your wages, money, or property be taken to pay this claim. Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case. Name and address of the court: Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1107 Filed June 30, 2026 by Nicolette Barnard, Deputy Clerk. Published July 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026
In late afternoon my wife, Merry, and I checked into the Langham Huntington. This classic hotel was designed in 1914 by noted architect Myron Hunt with broad symmetrical wings and a belvedere tower in the middle. There are seventeen acres of gardens, where we strolled at sunset, then slept perfectly.
Next morning we rode the elevator to the top floor’s private Langham Club lounge –a perk I definitely recommend for its views across Pasadena and the ease of popping in any time to eat, from breakfast to lunch to nightly cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
I buffet-hopped around the serving tables, trying the white scrambled eggs with kale and mushrooms, French toast, fresh giant berries, buttery croissants – basically anything I could fit on my plate. All delicious.
Another bonus of the Club level is the chance to meet interesting fellow guests in quiet, friendly surroundings. That morning they included a couple from Nevada, she a journalist and he a partner in the PR firm that created the wildly successful ad campaign: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!” He smiled like a man who’d hit the jackpot: “That put four children through college.”
The hotel is the centerpiece of the leafy Oak Knoll neighborhood. Originally a sheep ranch owned by railroad magnate Henry Huntington, the area became a subdivision of impressive homes in the early 1900s. We drove up Hillcrest Avenue, gawking at the
very first house designed by celebrated architects Charles and Henry Greene, an immense dark-shingled “bungalow” called the Blacker House. Montecitans
will appreciate the Prindle House, a masterpiece of Spanish Colonial and Moorish architecture, designed in 1926 by George Washington Smith to be reminiscent of Spain’s Alhambra Palace.
Later Merry and I went to an early dinner at Osa, a rooftop restaurant in Pasadena’s Playhouse Village district. We ate with a view across the city to mountains bathed in warm afternoon light. Highly recommended: Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Aleppo chili, Marcona almonds, and pomegranate vinaigrette; Grilled Swordfish on creamy Brentwood yellow corn, salsa criolla, and aji verde.
Some diners, including us, headed around the corner to the Pasadena Playhouse to see Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon. I confess to being a bit allergic to musicals, finding it slightly cringy when the cast s-i-i-ingggs every . . . thinggg . . . they want to sa-a-a-ay! But this production was a gem, a stylish updating of the 1947 classic, staged by a dazzlingly professional cast of singers and dancers that included Tony winner Tyne Daly
The plot in a nutshell: Two contemporary guys from New York are hiking in Scotland and get lost in the forest. As they wander, a village and its folk magically appear out of the mist (thanks to clever stagecraft effects). The two have stumbled upon fabled Brigadoon, a hamlet that becomes visible for only one day each century.
• Visitors information: www.visitpasadena.com
• Norton Simon Museum: www.nortonsimon.org; 411 W. Colorado Blvd.
• USC Pacific Asia Museum: The 1929 building, designed by anthropologist and curios dealer Grace Nicholson as her home and shop, is in Imperial Palace Courtyard style with authentic Chinese details. The exhibition Mythical Creatures (through Sept. 6) spans twelve rooms with objects and immersive art tying the immigrant experience to Asian mythical figures that watch over and protect those on journeys of transition. https://pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu; 46 N. Los Robles Ave.
• Pasadena Playhouse: Historic California theater in rustic style; www. pasadenaplayhouse.org; 39 S. El Molino Ave
• Architecture: Blacker House, 1177 Hillcrest; Prindle House, 1311 Hillcrest.
The Langham Huntington: An iconic California hotel with a formal yet comfortable atmosphere that evokes Pasadena’s traditional, gracious way of life. There are acres of lawns and gardens, two swimming pools, tennis, and a spa with treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. Opt for the Langham Club level, with exclusive access to an eighthfloor lounge and complimentary morning-to-evening meal services. There are 379 guestrooms including 36 suites, and eight cottages. Rates start at $425 (Superior room) and $899 (Suite); for the two-story, 3,600-square-foot Tournament of Roses Suite, contact Reservations. www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/los-angeles; 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Reservations (626) 568-3900.
Osa Rooftop: At the AC Hotel; https://osarooftop.com, 540 E. Colorado Blvd.
Lots of singing and dancing ensue, and a romance grows between a village girl and one of the outsiders. Will he stay? He must decide before Brigadoon disappears for another hundred years. All ends happily, of course, with the message that love can make dreams come true.
By the end of our stay in Pasadena, I started to see a sort of parallel with Brigadoon. Both are places you’re surprised and grateful to discover right under your nose. Each has its own special aura and an array of lovely things to see. I hope we’ll find our way back again soon.
I f you’ve driven around Pasadena, there’s a good chance you spotted the 1898 Castle Green. It was once the annex to the Hotel Green, a lavish resort where the wealthy came to winter in sunny climes, enjoying afternoon tea and games on the lawn. President Grover Cleveland stayed here, and John D. Rockefeller was remembered fondly for tipping the staff with silver dimes.
The hotel and annex were linked by a bridge over Raymond Avenue, but after hard times the hotel side was demolished in 1935. The annex, Castle Green, has been restored as condominium units and retains many original features, from hand-carved fireplaces and plaster moldings to vintage furniture, and the last human-operated iron-cage elevator on the West Coast. The lobby and gardens play host to weddings and also appeared in the movie Babylon with Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt. The premises are not open to the public, but tours are offered twice a year, in June and December. Well worth a visit; it’s like checking in to another era.
For information visit www.castlegreen. com; 99 S. Raymond Avenue.
where we really shine,” laughed Trevor.
“Who’s feeling energetic with the toilet brush?” someone called out, teasing the crowd.
“What are you going to claim? Trash? Towels? Showdown! Showdown!” called Evan, as cups of dice rattled across the table and firefighters challenged one another’s bids, trying to pass the chores to the next person. Guests joined in to try their hand at the game, along with engineer Dustin Barthel, and firefighter paramedics Braden Macy and Brandon Bennewate
“We enjoy giving station tours and breaking bread with those that we serve,” revealed Lucas.
Brenda, whose winning bid helped support the local Alzheimer’s Association, perhaps captured the evening best.
“Well, they take care of us, so we’ve got to take care of them, too.”
Around Station 91, the meals are homemade, the friendships are lifelong, and breaking bread has become one more way Montecito neighbors take care of one another.
by Lisa Duncan
“He’s coming in hot!” called longtime announcer Melanja Jones as horses thundered across the field, perfectly capturing the excitement. Santa Barbara’s prestigious High Goal season was officially underway, bringing many of the world’s finest players together for faster ponies, tougher battles, and the sport’s most exhilarating competition.
For polo legend Mike Azzaro, however, the weekend was measured less by handicaps than by family. After postponing retirement, the Hall of Famer and seven-time U.S. Open champion returned to Santa Barbara to play alongside his sons, Harrison and Hunter Azzaro, and his son-in-law, Santiago Torres, proving that some of the weekend’s biggest victories weren’t measured on the scoreboard.
“If it’s not ice hockey, skiing or cars, I don’t like it,” laughed Lake C. Underwood II, who traveled from New Jersey to visit his childhood friend, Robb Francis The son of legendary Porsche racer and dealer Lake Underwood, whose family
opened America’s first Porsche dealerships, Underwood grew up surrounded by iconic sports cars and quickly discovered that Montecito’s fastest horsepower wasn’t beneath the hood of a vintage Porsche – it was charging across the polo field.
On the scoreboard, Klentner Ranch defeated Mrs. Momma Bear, 15-11, behind stellar performances from seven-goalers Nachi Viana and Jesse Bray, while Jake and Justin Klentner added timely scoring. Mrs. Momma Bear answered with a spirited late rally led by Harrison Azzaro, whose sixth-chukka scoring surge kept spectators cheering until the final horn.
Montecito residents Pardis Nasseri, a UCSB graduate and nationally recognized private equity advisor, and Dr. Sherry Nasseri, chair of Palm Tree’s Women’s Leadership Council, represented tournament sponsor Palm Tree LLC as the High Goal season officially got underway. Ursula Nesbitt – radiant in a flowing dress – and the Mrs. Momma Bear pop up luxury clothing store added a splash of chic to the afternoon.
High Season, Montecito-style, is where world-class polo players and Porsche pedigrees happily share the spotlight.
by Lisa Duncan
“Can I get a ‘Viva la Fiesta!’? Viva!” rang out beneath the arches of historic Casa de la Guerra as Native Daughters of the Golden West welcomed guests to its PreFiesta Tea. This year marked two remarkable milestones: the parlor’s 125th anniversary and 100 years of selecting a Saint Barbara, celebrating the women who’ve preserved our heritage for generations.
Co-presidents Heidi Stilwell and Lisa Osborn welcomed guests before introducing this year’s Saint Barbara, Julie Herrera Foley. A tenth-generation Californian, Julie traces her lineage to José Francisco Ortega, commander of the original Presidio, while her mother, Barbara Herrera Christine Herrera, the 2016 Saint Barbara, have all continued the family’s involvement. It was a fitting tribute to generations who have kept our city’s traditions alive.
Longtime member Jeanine RoblesWright introduced dignitaries including Mayor Randy Rowse, City Councilman Oscar Gutierrez, El Presidente Hayward, and Native Daughters leaders from across California.
The afternoon celebrated Fiesta through music and dance featuring 2026 Spirit Jenna Ramirez Spirit Penny Hernandez Dance Studio, Rosal Ortega California, and the Three Santa Barbara Sopranos: Anikka Abbott Bertling, and Vivian Vega-Rangel
After 125 years, it’s one of the traditions that keeps Santa Barbara’s history brewing. by Lisa Duncan
Brad Pitt and girlfriend Ines de Ramon enjoyed a glamorous World Cup double date with Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem at SoFi Stadium Friday, while the couple shared a rare passionate kiss that went viral… Prince Harry was all smiles at Scotty’s Summer Festival in Warwickshire on Saturday, spending time with military families, sharing that Meghan Markle and their children honor Princess Diana by baking her favorite lemon drizzle cake in their Montecito kitchen… Gigi Hadid spent the weekend sharing a “joy+jetlag” photo album with boyfriend Bradley Cooper, glimpses of her glittering Taylor Swift wedding look, and her dramatic return to the Balenciaga couture runway…
From Richard and friends to all of you… Pip! Pip!
Event emcees
Heidi Stilwell and Patricia Orena with Mayor Randy Rowse, Jeanine Robles Wright, and Lisa Osborn (photo by Ken Pfeiffer)
by Steven Libowitz
Annual One-acts at Alcazar – The Third Annual Hanne Pedersen One-Act Festival features seven original one-act comedies written by playwrights, both veteran and newbies, hailing from Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties, each having a world premiere at the historic Carpinteria theater. Staged as a tribute to Pedersen, a writer, director, actress, teacher and co-founder of the Carpinteria Community Theatre, the plays largely feature community-based casts and directors, lending a homespun atmosphere to the two-weekend festival. This year’s plays, each performed at every show, include AI in Three Acts by Ross Brown, directed by Leslie V. AnnRenee; The Announcement by Rick Penn-Kraus, directed by Gabe Dugan; The Aydens by Leslie V. AnnRenee, directed by Maddy Khachadoorian; Bingo At Rest by Christine Adams, directed by Dreamer Wilson; Happy Freakin’ Birthday by Dawn Balk, directed by Oak Cervantes; Shady Shores: A Killer Comedy, by Lynne Herrell and Lisa Marciano, directed by Herrell; and Tea At The Pastor’s House by Steve Chawkins, directed by Dawn Balk.
WHEN: July 17-19
WHERE: Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria
COST: $25 general, $20 seniors and students
INFO: (805) 684-6380 or www.thealcazar.org
Concerts in the Park – The popular city-sponsored series that brings pop and other bands to the lush setting of the Great Meadow in Chase Palm Park (just across the street from East Beach) is set to end its four-week run. The free, family-friendly summer tradition invites guests to bring blankets and/or chairs as early as noon to set up and unroll picnics (but no alcohol) prior to and during the performance, which takes place amid sea breezes under the late afternoon skies, ending before sunset. Week 3 on July 16 brings The Mighty Cash Cats, a Johnny Cash cover band that also plays country classics from
Summer Film Series – Downtown is the destination for free Friday film buffs via UCSB Arts & Lectures’ annual series of screenings outdoors under the stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens. Besides the spectacular setting for picnicking, pre-screening festivities include carefully curated musical playlists – which makes sense since the theme for the 15th season is Mixtapes & Misfits, focusing on offbeat coming-of-age stories with soaring soundtracks.
Evoking nostalgia this week (7/17): Say Anything…, Cameron Crowe’s directorial debut charmer where a high school grad’s goal is to actually date his crush, featuring the unforgettable scene – spoiler alert – of John Cusack unabashedly hoisting a boombox (it’s the ‘80s!) to serenade his sweetheart outside her bedroom window with Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.” Next week (7/24): La Bamba, the biopic about teenage pop star Ritchie Valens meteoric rise to stardom and tragic end – the film that gave Los Lobos a big breakthrough via the title track.
WHEN: 8:30 pm
WHERE: Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St.
COST: free
INFO: www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu
FRIDAY, JULY 17-SATURDAY, JULY 18
California Wine Festival – The locally-created annual festival – founded in town before expanding to Huntington Beach and Dana Point– is back for another pair of bashes at two ocean-facing spaces along Cabrillo Blvd. One of the largest outdoor wine festivals here or elsewhere, CWF starts with Friday’s Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort’s Plaza del Sol, where guests sample vintage wines from some of California’s top winemaking regions, with the opportunity to go behind the bottle to chat with the wineries’ staff, as well as enjoy hot and cold bites from local restaurants, chefs and caterers. Saturday super-sizes the festival experience with a big blowout at Chase Palm Park near Stearns Wharf, where thousands dive into tastings from dozens upon dozens of vineyards that each pour multiple selections and/or enjoy regional craft brews offering up cold ones for a warm summer day. Even more Santa Barbara restaurants and caterers are on hand to serve up sumptuous treats while live music provides the beat to soldier on with the sampling. The “Best Tri-Tip in the 805” competition is also back, allowing visitors to sample then select favorites from among Barbareño, Santa Barbara Woodfire Catering, and others.
WHEN: 6:30-9 pm Friday, 1-4:30 pm Saturday (12 noon VIP entry)
WHERE: Plaza del Sol at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. (Friday); Chase Palm Park, 236 East Cabrillo Blvd. (Saturday)
COST: $95-$260
INFO: www.californiawinefestival.com/santa-barbara
contemporaries. Next week (July 23): Who else to bring the series to a close but Santa Barbara’s more-than-just-a-party-band institution, Spencer the Gardener, who play an eclectic mix of Latin-flavored, upbeat tunes and surf rock, including lots of originals.
WHEN: 6-7:30 pm
WHERE: Chase Palm Park, 300 W. Cabrillo Blvd.
COST: free
INFO: (805) 564-5418 or www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/parksrec/recreation/events/parkrec/concerts.asp
Music at the Ranch – The Tuesday night concert series on the grounds of Goleta’s Stow House, aka Rancho La Patera, offers perhaps the most picturesque environs of any of the festival sites, one that boasts a tree-lined and variously shaded space against a lush backdrop. The farm animals and machinery are just steps away, while Lake Los Carneros is maybe a three-minute walk, and fun to explore both during intermission or otherwise. Blankets and chairs
In Chambers – Santa Barbara Chamber Players, whose regular performances usually feature a small orchestra, gets smaller to go bigger, scaling back to chamber music ensembles in a fundraising concert. Boasting four celebrated chamber works spanning more than a century of musical styles, the performance ranges from Romantic elegance era to contemporary sounds inspired by folk traditions, including Reinecke’s “1886 Trio for Oboe, Horn, and Piano in A Minor, Op. 188”; Rossini’s “1824 Duet for Cello and Double Bass in D Major”; Osvaldo Golijov’s “Lullaby and Doina,” which draws inspiration from Eastern European Jewish musical traditions; and Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Quintet in B-flat Major for Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, and Piano (1876).” Proceeds go to support the upcoming concert season from the Chamber Players – whose members comprise the cast for today’s concert – as well as the organization’s mission of bringing exceptional live classical music to the community.
WHEN: 3 pm
WHERE: Trinity Lutheran Church, 909 N. La Cumbre Rd. (at Foothill)
COST: $25
INFO: www.sbchamberplayers.org
recommended, and food and drink can be brought or bought at food trucks and stands. This week (7/21) Mezcal Martini, the longtime local Latin jazztinged band who play a spicy mix of bolero, bossa nova, salsa and cumbia full of horns and percussion. Next week (7/28): Do No Harm, whose blend of pop hits over the decades has been called “the soundtrack of your life.”
WHEN: 5:30-7:30 pm
WHERE: Stow House, 304 North Los Carneros Rd.
COST: free
INFO: (805) 681-7216 or www.goletahistory.org
Asian-American Films at Alhecama – Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual film series spotlights the stories and cultures of the Asian immigrant communities that once thrived in and around Santa Barbara’s historic Presidio Neighborhood. Held at the historic jewel box of a theater in the heart of the area, the series showcases films about diverse Asian American experiences across the country, historically and in current culture, through three features and four short movies shown on Fridays in July. On July 17, it’s Food Roots, about Emmy Award-winning Chicago restaurateur Billy Dec as he travels through his Filipino
mother’s native 7,641 islands to learn recipes from his last living elders. Q&A with director Michele Josue and an outdoor reception follow the screening. WHEN: 6 pm
WHERE: Alhecama Theatre, 215-A E. Canon Perdido St.
COST: $5 suggested donation
INFO: (805) 965-0093 or www.sbthp.org/aafs
FRIDAY, JULY 17-FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Summer Serenade – Galavant’s series of outdoor pop-up experiences, which highlight local musicians and artists at venues across Santa Barbara, heads back to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden for a three-concert series ensconced in the mountains above Mission Canyon. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or low-backed chair, pack a picnic, to arrive early to claim a spot on the Island View Lawn outside the Pritzlaff Conservation Center for the best viewing experience, and to partake of Sunstone Winery’s on-site pouring of wine samples. Opening day’s lineup features the genre-busting multi-instrumentalist-producer-vocalise Dante Marino Music and the cello-guitar and vocals duo Brothers Landau. Coming up: Marimba artist Enrique Guevara Tahuite and multiple award-winning songwriter/composer/producer Adam Zelkind, who has created cutting edge music for more than 2,600 television episodes, feature films and records (July 31). Indie folk-rock trio Kid Again and singer-songwriter Kylie Butler, close out the series on August 14.
WHEN: 5:30-7 pm
WHERE: SB Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road
COST: $25 general $10 youth
INFO: (805) 682-4726 or https://sbbotanicgarden.org
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
Grand Gets Gambarini – The Grand on State, the glorious yet intimate new jazz venue next door to the Granada Theatre whose regular menu includes local musicians and fine French cuisine, has grabbed a date with singer Roberta Gambarini and pianist Tamir Hendelman for its monthly Visiting Artists series. Gambarini, celebrated for her warmth, elegance, and improvisational brilliance, boasts a pair of Grammy-nominated albums and appearances at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, Salle Pleyel in Paris, and major festivals Monterey and Newport in her four-decade career. Hendelman, who has toured Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and recorded or performed with Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, and Gladys Knight, among many others, is considered a commanding soloist, inventive composer, and one of the most trusted accompanists and arrangers for leading jazz artists. He’s also been a member of the jazz faculty at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music since 2005.
WHEN: 7 pm
WHERE: The Grand on State, 1218 State St.
COST: $55 & $65
INFO: (805) 708-7670 or www.thegrandonstate.com
This entertainment calendar is a subjective sampling of arts and entertainment events taking place in the Santa Barbara area for the next seven days or so. It is by no means comprehensive. Please also see my feature stories elsewhere in this issue for more events. In order to be considered for inclusion in this calendar, please submit information – including hi-res photos –by 12 noon Wednesday eight days prior to publication date. Email: slibowitz@yahoo.com.
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It’s simple. Charge is $0.04 per character, each line with 31 characters. Minimum is $12 per issue. Photo/logo/visual is an additional $20 per issue. Email Classified Ad to classifieds@montecitojournal.net or call (805) 565-1860. All ads must be finalized by Friday at 2pm the week prior to printing. We accept Visa/MasterCard/Amex (3% surcharge)
Handyman serv. Goleta to Montecito Reasonable
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Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary Menagerie 2430 Lillie Avenue Summerland CA 93067 (805) 969-1944
Donate to the Parrot Pantry! At SB Bird Sanctuary, backyard farmer’s bounty is our birds’ best bowl of food! The flock goes bananas for your apples, oranges & other homegrown fruits & veggies.
Volunteers
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ByPeteMuller&FrankLongo
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Thu, Oct 29 / 7 PM / Hahn Hall
Thu, Feb 18 / 7 PM / Hahn Hall
Program: Haydn, Reena Esmail, Dvořák and Mendelssohn
Tue, Mar 9 / 7 PM / Hahn Hall
Chelsea Wang, piano
Tue, May 4 / 7 PM / Hahn Hall
Program: Schubert, Grieg, Messiaen, Kreisler and Ravel
